Thriving in Turbulent Times (part 3)

Growing Together Through Challenges

Connection may be our most powerful tool for navigating uncertainty—but it requires intentional cultivation.

When researchers at Harvard University conducted their landmark 85-year study on what predicts health and happiness throughout life, their conclusion was surprisingly simple: good relationships. Not wealth, fame, IQ, or genes—but the quality of our connections with others. The director of the study, psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, summarized their findings: "Good relationships don't just protect our bodies; they protect our brains."

This insight becomes even more critical during periods of widespread uncertainty. Neuroscientist Dr. Matthew Lieberman's research reveals why: our brains are inherently social. When we face challenges together rather than alone, our neurological stress response actually changes—the same events become less threatening when processed through social connection.

Today, we'll explore how a growth mindset can transform our relationships during difficult times, creating not just individual resilience but collective strength.

This is the final part of our three-part series on cultivating a growth mindset during uncertain times. [Read Part 1 here] and [Part 2 here].

Relationships Under Pressure: Growing Together Through Uncertainty

Uncertain times can put immense pressure on personal relationships. Economic stress, political differences, or fears about the future can strain even strong bonds. Under stress, many fall into fixed-mindset patterns:

- "They'll never change."

- "We just aren't compatible anymore."

- "If we're having conflict, something must be wrong with the relationship."

A growth mindset in relationships recognizes that conflict and change can be opportunities for deeper connection:

- "We can learn new ways of communicating and understanding each other."

- "Stress is affecting us both—how can we support each other better?"

- "This challenge might actually bring us closer if we face it together."

Try this: Practice "relationship check-ins"—a regular time to reflect together. Ask:

- What's been hard for you this week?

- What's one thing I did that made you feel seen or supported?

- What can we do differently to help each other thrive right now?

These small, consistent moments of reflection reinforce trust, adaptability, and shared growth. Dr. John Gottman, renowned for his ability to predict relationship outcomes with over 90% accuracy, found that these types of regular "emotional bids" for connection are the strongest predictor of relationship success. His research at the Gottman Institute shows that partners who respond to each other's emotional needs during stress strengthen their bond, while those who turn away create compounding disconnection.

Science Backs It: Stress Can Build Your Brain

Here's something fascinating: Moderate, manageable stress actually strengthens your brain—if you balance it with rest and reflection. It's called post-traumatic growth, where challenges stimulate neuroplasticity, making you more resilient, creative, and confident.

This isn't just pop psychology—it's backed by rigorous neuroscience. Research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience demonstrates that intermittent stressors, when properly managed, increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that strengthens neural connections and supports learning.

A groundbreaking study from the University of California found that people who experienced moderate levels of adversity throughout their lives reported greater well-being and mental health than those who experienced either high levels of adversity or no adversity at all. Researchers call this the "steeling effect"—like steel becomes stronger when tempered by fire, we become more resilient when faced with challenges we can overcome.

Dr. Kelly McGonigal, health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, summarizes this research in her book The Upside of Stress: "Stress can be harmful or helpful depending largely on how you think about it." Her research shows that simply changing how we view stress—as a resource rather than a threat—can transform its physiological impact from harmful to beneficial.

So, What's the Takeaway?

The world is uncertain. Change is constant. Fear is real.

But so is growth. So is creativity. So are you.

You don't have to wait for everything to settle down to start blooming. In fact, the storm might be the very thing that pushes you to grow in ways you never imagined.

Want Support on Your Growth Journey?

Ready to cultivate resilience and thrive in uncertainty? Our workshops and coaching sessions offer personalized tools to help you adapt and grow. Reach out today to start your journey.

As we conclude this growth mindset journey, I invite you to download the 21-day challenge tool below. This visual framework helps you map your strengths, developing abilities, and areas where fixed mindset thinking might be creating limitations

I hope you've enjoyed this 3-part series. Download the 21-DAY GROWTH MINDSET CHALLENGE , give it a try, and watch your growth mindset come to life!"

21-DAY GROWTH MINDSET CHALLENGE

Thank you for reading this blog series on growth mindset! This 21-day challenge is designed to help you transform concepts into daily practice. By incorporating these small actions into your routine, you'll begin to rewire how you think about challenges, setbacks, and your own potential for growth.

• Build resilience in facing challenges

• Develop a more positive relationship with feedback

• Increase your learning agility

• Recognize and overcome fixed mindset triggers

• Experience greater motivation and fulfillment

21 Day challge Growth Mindset.pdf

Download PDF • 86KB

We'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your insights, challenges, or questions in the comments below, or reach out to us directly at info@bewellvital.com – your feedback helps us create content that truly serves our community's needs.

Your BeWellVital - Keep well and stay vital.

Heidi Link