Hi there! I’m Chervonne Wong, a Naluri Mental Health Coach.

Life is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable—but how we respond to them can make all the difference. As a Naluri Mental Health Coach, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals facing challenges that test their limits, from workplace stress to personal loss and unexpected setbacks. Each story has taught me valuable lessons about what it truly takes to build resilience—not just as a buzzword, but as a practical, everyday tool for thriving in the face of adversity.

In this article, I’ll share a real-life story from one of my members along with reflection questions to help you cultivate resilience in your own journey.

Curiosity: Turning anxiety into self-discovery

Curiosity is not just about seeking new knowledge; it’s about staying open to possibilities and reframing obstacles as opportunities for growth. A curious mindset encourages individuals to ask "Why?" or "What if?" rather than succumbing to fear or frustration.

In the workplace, curiosity fosters a growth mindset, helping employees see challenges as stepping stones to improvement. Whether it's exploring innovative solutions or learning from mistakes, curiosity drives progress and resilience.

When faced with a new project, my member found himself overwhelmed with anxiety. Despite having the experiences and skills required, he feared failure and judgement from others. Instead of succumbing to negative thoughts, he chose to approach his situation with curiosity.

By asking himself questions such as, “What am I truly afraid of?” and “Why do I feel this way?”, he began to uncover his underlying fears: the need for recognition and the fear of not being good enough. With this awareness, he validated his emotions instead of brushing them aside, allowing him to reframe the fear of the unknown into a challenge he could understand and face. Reflecting on his past achievements further reinforced his confidence, reminding him of his capability to overcome challenges.

Reflection Questions:

• Think of a recent workplace challenge. How might curiosity have helped you approach it differently?
• What are some ways you can cultivate curiosity, even in high-pressure situations?

Connection: Drawing strength from relationships

While resilience is often seen as an individual trait, it is deeply influenced by the quality of our connections with others. Feeling supported and valued by colleagues, managers, and peers creates a strong safety net during tough times.

Workplace connections foster open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to emotional well-being and resilience. Leaders play a critical role by cultivating a culture of connection through empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Recognising the value of support, my member reached out to trusted friends and mentors in the same field. These connections became a source of encouragement and perspective. His friends reminded him of his strengths and past accomplishments, which he had overlooked in his anxiety.

The sense of belonging and affirmation from his peers helped him feel less isolated in his struggles. Their encouragement served as a reminder that he wasn’t alone in facing new challenges and that it was normal to feel uncertain in a new environment.

Reflection Questions:

• How do your relationships impact your ability to cope with stress?
• In remote or hybrid settings, what strategies can strengthen connections within your team?

Courage: Facing fears with confidence

Courage is the heart of resilience—it empowers individuals to step outside their comfort zones, face uncertainty, and embrace change. Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear; it’s about taking action despite it.

In the workplace, courage manifests as taking risks, speaking up, and pursuing growth opportunities. Organisations can encourage courage by normalising failure as part of the learning process and creating an environment where employees feel safe to innovate and take calculated risks.

With a clearer understanding of his fears and the support of his network, my member then embraced courage. Instead of avoiding his emotions or running from the challenge, he chose to confront them head-on. He accepted that learning and making mistakes were natural parts of growth, particularly in a new role.

This courage to face both external challenges and internal fears allowed him to build confidence. He reminded himself that he had conquered challenges in the past, and there was no reason he couldn’t do it again.

Reflection Questions:

• Can you recall a moment when you demonstrated courage in your career? What did you learn?
• How can leaders foster a culture where employees feel empowered to take risks?

Building resilience for a stronger you

The more he practised curiosity and openness, the more self-aware and confident he became. He learned to observe his fears and thoughts without judgment, using calming techniques to manage his stress. The support and connection with his peers provided reassurance, while his courage allowed him to take meaningful steps forward.

By integrating the three pillars of curiosity, connection, and courage, he successfully navigated the stress and anxiety of a new project, turning it into an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

If you, or someone you know, needs further support in your resilience building journey, book a 1-1 consultation with a Naluri Mental Health Coach for more personalised support and guidance to confidently overcome any challenge.

Chervonne is a compassionate and dynamic Naluri Mental Health Coach dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome emotional challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives. With expertise in counselling psychology, interpersonal communication, and innovative program design, Chervonne crafts and delivers impactful workshops, talks, and webinars that inspire growth and foster mental wellbeing. She combines empathy with proven techniques to guide clients toward clarity, resilience, and lasting positive change. Her engaging and thoughtful approach creates a safe space for self-discovery, making her a trusted ally in every client’s journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.