Leaders and business professionals handle grueling hours and exceed high expectations. They are undaunted by challenges and embrace opportunities for growth. They assume they are resilient.
But given enough demands, anyone can burn out. This makes logical sense, yet you likely still think it could never be you. You are fabulous and at risk of burning out.
Resilience is not an innate character trait. Whether you’re in a leadership role or working as part of a team, you need to implement strategies that build and nurture resilience. You need a resilience plan.
Award-winning mental health expert Marie-Hélène Pelletier draws on her clinical practice and extensive knowledge in therapeutics and business practices to explore how resilience is the best defense against burnout and how everyone can build it in themselves―not with a one-size-fits-all plan but with strategies to help you create a custom plan.
Pelletier uses relatable stories and activities to bring her concepts into context. By working through the exercises in this practical guide, you will have a goal-oriented, custom strategy with the knowledge to implement and sustain it, to protect your health and success into the future.
In “The Resilience Plan”, Marie-Helene offers a unique perspective on resilience, blending concepts from both psychology and business. With relatable real-life stories and examples, she effectively dispels the misconceptions about burnout and resilience. This highly practical and relatable book serves as a roadmap, empowering readers to create their own personalized mental health and resilience plan. Marie-Helene not only emphasizes the importance of such a plan but also delivers practical exercises to facilitate the creation of a realistic and actionable strategy in an easy read format. A must read for anyone working in a high demand work environment.
If you’re like me, you’ve been through times when the pressures, expectations (from you and others), demands, and circumstances taxed your ability to manage and cope. We’ve had experiences that have left us feeling depleted and defeated. Our resilience — that ability to bounce back, reset, recover and adapt from serious stress and trauma — probably helped us get through those times. That’s certainly true for me and the organizations I work with. What’s also true is these moments or periods are part of life for everyone. While we can’t always plan for what comes our way, we can plan how we deal with it before it arrives.
That is the central and powerful premise behind Marie-Hélène Pelletier’s book *The Resilience Plan*. If resilience is essential to recovery and adaptation through our stresses and traumas — whether as individuals, groups, or organizations — it is something we can prepare and plan for. It’s also something we can’t take for granted, rather “resilience is not a given, it’s a strategy.” This strategy - much like a braid — is woven together between your personal and professional life. How we connect and strengthen those with our reserves of energy, the demands we face, our values, and the context(s) in which we are a part of is at the heart of this strategy.
Marie-Hélène Pelletier draws on her extensive knowledge and experience in helping individual leaders and organizations cultivate resilience and work through issues of burnout, trauma, exhaustion, and uncertainty. Pelletier is also a doctor who takes her own medicine as she shares her own experiences of personal resilience development. Together, these experiences have shaped what is The Resilience Plan.
Marie-Hélène has turned the traditional thinking on resilience on its head by encouraging us to prepare for those moments we need it by developing a plan. The book takes us on her journey as a psychologist, a business leader, a consultant, and someone who, like all of us, has had to bounce back from adversity many times. The book combines the best science, practice-based evidence, and examples to knit together a profile of what resiliency is, how it can be cultivated, and instructions on how to build a personal resilience plan for you and your organization. The book includes worksheets and guides to help you create a plan for dealing with what’s to come before you need it. The idea is that — much like we plan for things like retirement, holidays, or seasons — we know that difficult times will come and when they do, much like our winter coat in January, we have something ready.
This book is well written and researched, practical, and scholarly — yet it doesn’t read like a textbook or something from self-help. It transcends both of those genres. It’s as much a manual for designing and executing a plan as a guide for ways to promote our well-being every day in ourselves and our workplaces. The book has a light-heartedness about it, even if it speaks to important, serious issues that affect our well-being. It also reflects the author, Marie-Hélène Pelletier, who brings warmth, compassion and professionalism to her work. Anyone who’s joined her many interviews and conversations with experts she hosts or had the pleasure of meeting Marie-Hélène will recognize these qualities in the text.
I highly recommend this book and have already benefitted from building my own personal resilience plan. Just walking through the exercises has enhanced my resiliency. I will bring this to the team I lead and the clients I serve. While I would love to say I’ll never have to think about being resilient or draw on my inner strength and community to get through difficult times, I know I will, and I am grateful that I now have a plan to help me when that time comes.
The Resilience Plan tackles the essential subject of resilience, offering a practical, engaging guide for navigating the demands of modern work and life. With a compelling blend of vivid personal narratives and professional insights, author Marie-Hélène Pelletier takes readers on an in-depth exploration of resilience—its challenges, significance, and critical role in maintaining sustainable mental health.
The book opens with a captivating account of Pelletier’s harrowing experience during an eight-day mountaineering expedition in the Canadian Rockies. This dramatic story of survival serves as a striking metaphor for resilience in high-pressure situations, particularly within the workplace. Pelletier underscores that resilience is not an innate trait but a learned skill, cultivated through intentional practice and tailored strategies. Tools like the Supply/Demands Inventory enable readers to evaluate their personal and professional equilibrium. With actionable steps, the book guides readers toward fostering resilience, avoiding burnout, and enhancing overall well-being.
Striking a balance between theory and application, The Resilience Plan appeals equally to academic audiences and readers seeking immediate solutions. Pelletier’s use of real-life examples, ranging from the struggles of high-achieving professionals to her own moments of vulnerability, brings depth and relatability to her arguments. Each chapter builds seamlessly on the last, creating a cohesive and logical progression that helps readers internalize the principles of resilience.
The book’s interactive design sets it apart. Through reflection questions, activities, and inventory exercises, Pelletier actively involves readers in their learning process. This hands-on approach ensures the lessons resonate and equips readers to develop personalized resilience plans tailored to their unique challenges and goals. Beyond its insightful content, The Resilience Plan shines for its clear, engaging prose. Pelletier’s professional expertise as a psychologist and MBA is evident in her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible language. Her empathetic tone invites readers to confront personal and professional struggles without fear of judgment, offering hope and actionable solutions for growth. By integrating personal stories, client anecdotes, and evidence-based strategies, she creates a narrative that is both relatable and credible. The result is a comprehensive, empowering read.
Pelletier’s commitment to delivering a meaningful message is unmistakable. Her thoughtful blend of storytelling, expert guidance, and practical advice ensures the book’s enduring impact. The Resilience Plan is not only a valuable resource for professionals and leaders but also for anyone striving to thrive in today’s demanding world. At a time when resilience has never been more crucial, Pelletier has delivered a timely and essential guide that will resonate long after the final page.
It was a pleasure to read "The Resilience Plan" by Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier. As an occupational medicine physician specializing in impairment and disability management and the author of "Living Abled," I believe Dr. Pelletier's book provides an essential roadmap to nurture our resilience and protect ourselves from burnout strategically. She is imminently qualified to provide this guidance. "The Resilience Plan" astutely recognizes that no one is immune to burnout, regardless of their fortitude or track record of success. Dr. Pelletier draws upon her extensive expertise in business and psychology to convey the critical message that resilience is not an innate personality trait but rather a skill that must be actively cultivated and reinforced over time through a customized personal strategy. One of the book's key strengths is how it guides readers to develop their own tailored resilience plan, taking into account their unique context, values, resources, and demands. Just as businesses require strategic plans to chart a successful course, Dr. Pelletier convincingly argues that individuals need personalized resilience strategies integrated holistically into their professional and personal lives. Her engaging writing, interwoven with relatable anecdotes and evidence-based insights, delivers pragmatic frameworks and tools for readers to assess their situation and craft optimal resilience practices. Moreover, "The Resilience Plan" provides a vital perspective by examining resilience through an organizational lens. Having a mentally healthy, resilient workforce is good business. However, as Dr. Pelletier illuminates, this requires top-down prioritization where employee wellbeing initiatives are inextricably linked to core business strategy rather than siloed under HR. Her interviews with corporate leaders underscore the importance of proactively supporting staff resilience. In today's high-pressure world, her message is more relevant than ever. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the impacts of burnout, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Pelletier's book to anyone seeking to perform at their best while protecting their most precious resource - their health and wellbeing and that of their team. Building a strategic resilience plan is truly an investment that will pay life-changing dividends.
I'm not typically one to read self-help books, but I occasionally check out a non-fiction book that pertains to business or the like. I had the pleasure of speaking to the author on my podcast and was fortunate to get a review copy of The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health.
I'll admit, this book took me some time to get through. However, that doesn't mean this book doesn't hold useful information.
Being non-fiction, the writing is personable. The author certainly knows her stuff and uses real-life examples from people she's spoken to about the work-life balance, focusing on your mental health, and recognizing and overcoming burnout.
It's all great information, and I learned some new things, especially about myself. Each chapter has a set of questions with worksheets in the appendix. The question at the end of chapter two made me stop and think. I put the book down and journaled. For two hours. I wrote ten pages. It was cathartic, especially since it was something I had no idea bothered me.
That said, The Resilience Plan can sometimes read like a textbook. If you're into that, great. If you're not, then some parts may read a bit dry. For me, I needed to be in the mood to read this title because I knew it was a learning experience and I'd be absorbing information. This isn't the sort of light reading before bed. It's not complicated or heavy, but it's a lot of information.
The Resilience Plan by Marie-Hélène Pelletier is an excellent read if you're looking to learn new skills to keep yourself sane and care for your mental health. It's important information that anyone can benefit from.
(I received an e-review copy from the author. I'm leaving an honest review willingly, and all opinions are my own.)
Dr. Pelletier's "The Resilience Plan" is a fantastic guide that effortlessly weaves together established psychological principles and business success. It offers readers a clear understanding of the importance of resilience for business leaders and a strategic, achievable plan to attain it. The book excels not only in recognizing the inherent link between mental health and professional success but also in leveraging the best practices from both mental health and business realms to create actionable solutions. This approach provides valuable insights for leaders and employees alike, enabling them to foster resilience in both personal and organizational contexts. Dr. Pelletier's "The Resilience Plan" is a fantastic guide that effortlessly weaves together established psychological principles and business success. It offers readers a clear understanding of the importance of resilience for business leaders and a strategic, achievable plan to attain it. The book excels not only in recognizing the inherent link between mental health and professional success but also in leveraging the best practices from both mental health and business realms to create actionable solutions. This approach provides valuable insights for leaders and employees alike, enabling them to foster resilience in both personal and organizational contexts.
I read this book while I was undergoing CBT, and I found it so helpful to have almost as a companion to my CBT sessions. While I don't read many self-help books, having it while deep in CBT helped me a lot.
One thing I really liked about this book is the friendly and easy way it was written. Many self-help books can be repetitive and stuffy, but this book feels like the author is talking directly to you in an approachable way.
The examples offered were useful because they were real-life experiences, which I always prefer for relatability. I also loved the questions at the end of each chapter, as they helped to keep my focus on the salient points.
For me, it was a great book to dip into. I read it through, but having it to go back to certain parts when I needed them was useful.
I think many of us could use strategies to build resilience, so this is a wonderful book to reference.
NB: I received an e-copy of this book from the author. This is an honest review of my thoughts on the book and its usefulness.
Dr. Pelletier's unique combination of a Ph.D. and an MBA brings a refreshing and comprehensive perspective to the subject matter. The Resilience Plan is not just another self-help book; it is a meticulously crafted guide that seamlessly blends academic rigor with real-world applicability.
She addresses the intricate connection between work performance and mental health. The practical exercises and strategies provided are not only evidence-based but also easy to implement in day-to-day life. Dr. Pelletier has not only provided a roadmap for optimizing work performance and mental health but has also instilled a sense of empowerment in her readers. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a plan towards building resilience, and well-being.
In The Resilience Plan, Marie‑Hélène Pelletier offers a timely, science-driven guide that transforms resilience from a buzzword into a strategic asset. Drawing on psychology, leadership experience, and real‑life case studies, she challenges the assumption that we’re naturally resilient and equips readers with a practical four‑part framework—balancing energy sources, demands, values, and context—to build a personalised resilience plan .
Pelletier’s writing is engaging, action‑oriented, and full of relatable stories, reflection prompts, and a user‑friendly daily planner. It’s a perfect resource for busy professionals or leaders who want to guard against burnout and thrive with intention. A solid, empowering read that proves resilience isn’t a trait—it’s a strategy.
‘The Resilience Plan’ is a game changer for anyone looking to thrive at work while maintaining their mental well-being. Packed with simple practical strategies and valuable insights, this book bridges psychology and business seamlessly. It’s the first time I’ve come across a book on resilience that provides such a detailed, yet simple guide to crafting a personal resilience plan. I’ve already created my own resilience plan and I can honestly say that it’s made such a difference! Didn’t know how much I needed this in my life. This book is a must-read for any business professional who’s looking to cultivate resilience in today’s fast paced world.
tl;dr: This book is an ABSOLUTE MUST-READ for overachievers and anyone navigating a quarter-life crisis—undoubtedly a contender for Book of the Year.
Transform how you approach the long game of life by adopting a mindset that balances resilience and practical strategies for sustained success. A psychologist with an MBA perfectly captures this duality—offering emotional depth to build resilience alongside strategic thinking to navigate challenges effectively. The result? A powerful framework for achieving and sustaining success. For overachievers or those grappling with a quarter-life crisis, this book is an indispensable guide and a strong candidate for Book of the Year
If you’re looking for a practical, no-nonsense guide to building resilience at work, The Resilience Plan by Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier is a fantastic read. She brings both psychology and business expertise to the table, making this book a great mix of research-backed insights and real-world strategies.
What I love most is how actionable it is—no vague “just take care of yourself” advice, but a clear, strategic approach to handling pressure, preventing burnout, and staying on top of your game. It’s especially useful for leaders, business owners, and anyone supporting others in high-stress environments.
The Resilience Plan is a short, easy-to-follow book that reminds you to take action rather than overthink. While it doesn’t introduce many new ideas, it does a good job of reinforcing the basics—like prioritizing, staying consistent, and building momentum through small steps.
What I liked is that it cuts through the noise. In a world full of complex productivity systems, this book brings you back to the idea that simple, focused action is often enough. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s practical and encouraging—great for anyone who needs a reset or a reminder to just start.
Dr. Pelletier's 'The Resilience Plan' offers a strategic approach to nourishing one's mental and emotional health. Through a blend of scientific research and practical application, she guides readers on a transformative journey towards greater resilience in their work and in life. With its actionable takeaways and compassionate tone, this book is an indispensable resource for any professional, entrepreneur or leader regardless of their level of experience or field of work.
At first it seemed a bit simplistic, but I liked the focus on individual agency when the systems that create burnout can be slow to change, + the specific actions suggested! Nothing particularly surprising/profound in the book, but just because something is simple doesn't mean we implement it. This was a good reminder of the need to slow down and take stock, to actually put in the reps instead of just thinking about it.
This book takes a business-like approach to something that can be quite personal - so it all feels doable and solid but also, at the same time, not really effective. The idea that connected the most with me is to see ourselves as containers (of some sort) and to value and change and create alternatives for filling that container and also identify how or what are the factors that empty that container - and how to minimize the chances of being completely empty.
Just finished this book. It's great. Really valuable practical advice to protect the resilience of individuals, teams and organisations, as well as the resilience of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and intrapreneurs! Being a business owner, I particularly loved Chapter 8 about applying the strategies and tactics of resilience to teams.
Great read! Nothing particularly new/earth shattering, but there are more practical ways of planning for and incorporating resilience planning into the every day. Dr. Pelletier shares her own journey and provides applicable worksheets and insights. Highly recommended as foundational read for those wanting to sustain performance in both work and life.
A really good book to help frame what your efforts can do in a context of your workspace. Helpful for the check in methods and a perspective of others. A key takeaway is everyone is responsible for their resilience but sometimes the give and take changes. A 20% effort temporarily is better than stopping your resilience activities in times of overwhelming demands.
The Resilience Plan is an investment worth making. Easy to digest and gets you going on taking action that will really make a difference. Much needed to navigate the balance of work and life, but most importantly, wellbeing. Grateful for all the value Marie-Helene freely shares in this book.
I picked this book up at a time when I needed perspective and moral support. Reading through it and pondering the VERY easy reflections/exercises gave me what I needed. In some ways it reaffirmed what I already knew or suspected while in others it brought to light something unexpected. While I still need to write up and finalize my Resilience Plan I know I am on the right path for my personal and professional well-being. This book is a gentle read, easy to absorb and uses language we can ALL relate to. Highly recommend to anyone already on, or desiring to embark upon, a path to wellness.
Very practical and inspiring, this book gives a lot of keys to reflect on our own situation and build a strategy to reach our goals without giving away our mental health. Aside from the method, the book explains very clearly where it comes from, based on the latest neuroscience researches.
“We all need resilience now in this world of constant and disruptive change. The Resilience Plan shows us how to build resilience by providing inspiration, frameworks, and practical steps. Through a mix of psychology, strategic savvy, and illuminating personal experiences, Marie-Hélène Pelletier helps us work through adversity and find the way to growth.”
A must-read for anyone looking to improve their mental and professional performance! The author's easy-to-follow stories and activities help you to apply her concepts to real life. Highly recommend!
The Resilience Plan' brilliantly bridges the gap between mental health research and practical workplace application. It offers strategic insights, which are essential for anyone looking to enhance their work performance while prioritizing mental well-being. This book is a must-read for its valuable guidance in building and protecting resilience, a key to thriving both professionally and personally
Leaders need ongoing access to their best energy and focus. Ensuring burnout is kept at bay requires a clear, intentional strategy of nurturing resilience. Award-winning mental health expert Marie-Hélène Pelletier shows us how to protect our health while we build success in her must-read book.
Resilience is hard to come by these days, especially if you don't have the tools and strategies to equip yourself during challenging times. This is where Dr. Pelletier's book, The Resilience Plan, comes in. The book expertly combines the psychological foundation, theory, strategies, and personal experiences to bring forth a compelling case for building a resilience plan. Get ready to sharpen your resilience building skills as you immerse yourself in Dr. Pelletier's work.
The Resilience Plan provides research-based strategies to manage your mental health in business and in life. It offers proactive ways to manage stress in personal and professional demands with a strategic plan to prevent burn out and invest in resilience. An essential read for professionals and leaders alike.
Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier is one of the most thoughtful and inspiring leaders of our generation. Resilience is not given, and when we are faced with adversity in our work or personal life - we need a strategy. The Resilience Plan gives us just that. A necessity for any professional or leader!
The Resilience Plan couldn't arrive at a better time for me! It's a transformative read that offers helpful insights, making it a must-have on the bookshelves of professionals and leaders across industries. It redefines our understanding of resilience, shifting the paradigm towards a more proactive and strategic approach that is crucial in today's fast-paced business environment. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to enhance their leadership toolkit and navigate challenges with greater agility and confidence. Easy to read and nicely presented, a valuable resource for wellness and a better work/life balance.