London, 1996. I had just moved there from Spain, hoping to improve my English. Even though I studied English in school and college, I didn’t realise how little I knew until I got there and needed to use it constantly. I had no money for lessons, and had no access to Google as we all do now. I also wanted to apply for an office role, and needed to learn to type in a computer fast, as back then I only knew how to type in a typewritter. Yes, it’s been a very long time!
I was desperate. My solution? I went to Camdem Town, bought a GBP 1 second hand book called “Congo” which had 1,000 pages, and asked my landlord to help me borrow their computer in my spare time to type the book. By the time I had finished reading and typing the 1,000 pages, I was fluent in both english and type writting.
Resourcefulness is a valuable trait that allows us to find creative solutions to problems, even when resources are scarce. While having access to ample resources can certainly make things easier, it is resourcefulness that ultimately determines one’s ability to succeed in the face of adversity.
Unfortunately, many individuals and organizations struggle with lacking resourcefulness, even when they have a surplus of resources at their disposal.
Next time you find yourself overwhelmed and paralyzed when facing a problem or obstacle, try to approach it with a mindset of curiosity and creativity, exploring all potential solutions and thinking outside the box to find the best possible solution.
Organizations that lack resourcefulness may struggle to adapt to changing circumstances or innovate in the face of challenges. They may be overly reliant on their existing resources and processes, making it difficult to pivot or find new solutions. This can lead to stagnation, decreased competitiveness, and even failure.
The good news is that resourcefulness is a skill that can be developed and cultivated over time. This requires a willingness to embrace new ideas and perspectives, a willingness to take risks and experiment, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. By prioritizing resourcefulness, individuals and organizations can not only succeed in the face of adversity but also thrive in a constantly changing world.
Do you have your own resourcefulnes story? Share in the comments below. I’d love to hear it.
To your success,
Isabel
Isabel is an experienced Peak Performance Strategist with over 25 years of international work experience holding senior positions within the hospitality industry in countries around the world, as well as Executive and Leadership coaching, mentoring and training.
She specializes in high performance strategy, leadership development and building organizational culture to help leaders and their teams learn, grow and succeed.
Isabel is passionate about helping empower business leaders with the mindset, skills and strategies that they need to get ahead.
More available on www.isabelvalle.com
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