Resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward. Too often, we think of resilience as simply returning to where we were before a challenge, but the real power lies in using those moments to grow, evolve, and push beyond what we ever thought possible.
As women, mothers, grandmothers and entrepreneurs, we juggle so much. Life is filled with defining moments—some big, some small—that shape us. They aren’t just obstacles to overcome but opportunities to step into something more significant. But to do that, we need to shift our mindset, take action, and sometimes ask for help.
Step Outside the Four Walls
It’s easy to get stuck in our routines, convinced that things must be done a certain way because that’s how they’ve always been done. We create imaginary walls around ourselves—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—limiting our ability to see beyond our current circumstances.
But real growth happens when we step outside those four walls and challenge our own thinking. What if there was another way?
Maybe that means shifting how you run your business, letting go of something that’s no longer serving you or finally taking the leap on an idea that’s been sitting in the back of your mind for months. The answers don’t always come from pushing harder or doing more—they come from stepping back, gaining perspective, and being open to new ways of thinking.
Think about a time when you felt stuck. Were you truly out of options, or were you only looking at the situation from one angle? Often, when we take a step back and ask the right questions, we discover solutions we never considered.
If you feel like you’re at a crossroads, try this:
- Write down the problem or challenge.
- Brainstorm three different ways to approach it—even the ones that feel a little outside the box.
- Ask for input from someone outside your usual circle—a mentor, a colleague, a business coach or even a friend with a fresh perspective.
The key is to challenge the limits you’ve placed on yourself and realise that often, the only thing standing in your way is the belief that things have to be done a certain way.
Asking for Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Let’s be honest—many of us struggle with asking for help. We tell ourselves we should be able to handle it all. That we’re capable, independent, and strong. And while those things may be true, strength isn’t about doing it all alone—it’s about knowing when to reach out.
The most successful entrepreneurs don’t run their businesses alone. They delegate, they collaborate, and they lean on their support networks. So why do we hesitate to do the same?
Maybe it’s the fear of appearing weak or the worry that we’re inconveniencing someone. But the reality is that asking for help is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of wisdom. It means you’re smart enough to recognise that your time and energy are valuable and that bringing in support can help you grow faster with less stress.
If you struggle with asking for help, start small:
Delegate one task this week
Whether it’s outsourcing part of your business, asking a friend for advice, or even just getting your family to help with household responsibilities.
Join a community
Whether it’s a business network like Ausmumpreneur, a mastermind group, or an online forum where you can share challenges and solutions.
Change your mindset
Instead of thinking, I should be able to do this alone, try thinking, What if the right help made this easier and more successful?
The 5-Second Rule: Stop Overthinking and Take Action
We’ve all been there—a great idea pops into our head, an opportunity arises, or a task needs to be done… and then we hesitate. Doubt creeps in. We second-guess ourselves. We convince ourselves it’s not the right time, we’re not ready, or we need to think about it more. And just like that, we’ve talked ourselves out of action.
This is where Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule comes in. The rule is simple but incredibly powerful:
The moment you feel the instinct to act, count down 5-4-3-2-1—and move.
Why does this work? Because it interrupts the overthinking cycle and forces you to take immediate action before doubt takes over.
Here’s how you can use it:
- If you’re hesitating to send an email or make a call, count 5-4-3-2-1 and do it.
- If you’ve been putting off a task, count down and take the first step—no matter how small.
- If you have a new idea but fear is holding you back, count down and write it down, set up a meeting, or take one action that brings it to life.
Procrastination thrives on hesitation, but momentum is built through action. Even the smallest step forward can make a massive difference in your world.
Resilience is Doing, Not Waiting
True resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times—it’s about taking action despite them. It’s about recognising that life’s challenges aren’t just roadblocks but opportunities to pivot, grow, and redefine what’s possible.
Every successful entrepreneur, every woman who has built something meaningful, has done so by moving forward—not by waiting for the perfect moment, but by taking action in the imperfect ones.
So, I challenge you today:
Look beyond your four walls—what’s possible? Challenge your thinking and find a new way forward.
Ask for help when you need it—who can support you? Remember, the most successful people don’t do it alone.
Use the 5-Second Rule—what action can you take right now? The sooner you move, the faster you build momentum.
Because resilience isn’t about getting back to where you were—it’s about stepping into where you’re meant to be. So go for it.
Justine Martin
Resilience Coach and Speaker, Entrepreneur.
