Interruptions Build Resilience

How do you deal with interruptions? These are events outside of our control that interfere with our plans. For example, my morning routine is interrupted by my cute furry dog deciding to use the bathroom in the house before going outside. It could be tempting to be upset at the dog for not following the plan. Doesn’t she know that walk and bathroom have a designated time?

That type of thinking would be futile. So I accept that my plan is disrupted. I sit back down and restart my routine. This is a minor inconvenience, not a major tragedy, and it is important to draw the distinction.

When I have read goal-setting literature, the value of being steadfast, dedicated, and committed is lifted up and exalted, while it seems that flexibility and patience are viewed as forms of weakness or irresponsibility. To me they go together. It is unrealistic to expect that your plans will not be interrupted, and if your response is to be upset about it, you could end up lashing out or displaying irritation—and that is what leads you away from your goals.

The key isn’t avoiding interruptions—that’s impossible. The key is learning to absorb them without derailing your day or damaging your relationships. When you respond to disruptions with grace rather than frustration, you actually strengthen your ability to stay on course. Your goals aren’t abandoned by interruptions; they’re abandoned by how you react to them.

What would change in your day if you viewed interruptions as tests of your resilience rather than threats to your progress?