Build Your Adversity Quotient

In Remembrance!

I wish to start this post with my personal note of condolences to all the families of the recent Sabah earthquake tragedy. As a parent, of primary school going children, I am particularly heart broken to read about the tragedy of the Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) pupils and teachers. 

I used to organise corporate team building programs, some with adventure themes. I can attest that safety is always of upmost in the minds of organisers, and I believe every conceivable safety measure would have been taken by those organising such programs. 

I'm in no position to comment what the authorities or the school should do in light of this tragedy. It is an act of God that we really don't have control over.

Rather, I am in a position to share that it is through such programs that one will build one's Adversity Quotient (AQ), which can be useful during transitions and periods of change. 


So what is Adversity Quotient (AQ)?


Adversity Quotient (AQ) - The Muscle of Determination

Adversity Quotient refers to the ability one has in dealing with challenges, set-backs and difficulties. Its is premised on the idea that the higher your AQ, the greater will be your ability to deal with life's challenges. 

It adopts the C.O.R.E. dimensions that measures your response pattern towards difficulties. C.O.R.E. refers to:

• Control - determines resilience and tenacity

• Ownership - sense of accountability, responsibility and engagement

• Reach - impacts your perception of how the difficulty will affect your stress level

• Endurance - willingness and drive to persevere 

You can learn more about AQ here. 



Strengthening Your AQ...

Like muscles, I believe you can strengthen your Adversity Quotient (AQ). From my experiences having run many team building engagements for clients in the past, I have seen first hand how individuals who had doubts overcome them and develop determination and resilience they didn't realise was within them. 

Below are 3 thoughts I hope to share:

1. Take small steps

Strengthening AQ is like weight training. Start with light weights, but as you get stronger, put on incrementally heavier weights, and in no time, you will be surprising yourself with some real heavy lifts. 

When you face an obstacle, break down the challenge into small parts. Tackle them in small parts and as you overcome them you will find that you would have out performed yourself. 

2. Don't be afraid to try new things - Build Adaptability

Every time you try something new, you will invariably have to deal with setbacks and challenges. But the more you put yourself up to try something new, the more you will be used to uncertainty, discomfort, and difference.  In time, you will become more adaptable and respond well when change comes around. 

3. Re-frame your beliefs about yourself. 

Credit: The Death Crawl Scene from the movie "Facing the Giants". 

I've watched the "death crawl" scene (click on the link above) many times and every time it strengthens my believe that if we ever wish to achieve our dreams or goals, we must believe in ourselves and our abilities to achieve it. 

Re-frame the perceptions of your own limitations. Recall the achievements you have accumulated in the course of your career and life's journey. They tell a story of someone who can do more than what might be possible. Identify the emotions, motivations, drive and causes of your success. List them down and find the common themes behind them. These themes tell your story, and will be the compass you can follow towards your goals. 

Stay Strong

I end this post with a word of encouragement to Stay Strong in the face of adversity. And to the families of the Sabah earthquake victims, we grieve with you. 



Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar