“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

Over the years, I've come to realize how much of an influence my father has had on shaping the person I am. The qualities and traits that have been passed down are absolutely invaluable: my persistence, endurance, self confidence, work ethic, and courage, just to name a few. June has me reflecting on father figures — whether it be your father, uncle, grandfather, neighbor, godfather, close friend, boss. Who has been that male mentor for you?

In my family, they know I can be stubborn! Most of the time, I am proud to say that's a good thing. Growing up I was encouraged to get back up after failure and try again, to never take no for an answer. It has given me the determination to reach goals in my life and make things happen no matter the challenge. I am inspired by my father and can say that because of him, I never give up.

Is a father figure flawless and always exemplifying perfection? No, they are still human. Fathers are also imperfect — and how they embody that imperfection is what matters. Seeking excellence, not perfection, being open to growth and new knowledge — to understand the unknown is one of the most important traits of them all.

From a father figure to a child, so much of learning happens through modeled behavior. How much is unsaid and just observed? Children pattern behaviors at home both consciously and subconsciously. The same could be said for employees in the workplace, learning from their bosses. Are you modeling honesty, pride, fortitude, and a strong work ethic?

This month I am grateful for all my father has modeled for me and for the men in my life that have inspired and encouraged both me and my children, just as fathers everywhere are doing for their own children and many other kids.

Happy Fathers Day!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com

​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

Resilience is that enduring personal quality that enables some people to be knocked down by life, yet come back stronger than before. Instead of letting difficulties overwhelm them and rob them of their strength and determination, they find a way to rise from the ashes and face life's challenges once again, recharged and ready for the next round. Resilient people are blessed with a positive outlook, enabling them to change course midstream and to keep calm and carry on.

Resilience is how you recharge, not how you endure! It is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. We need to realize that the problem is not in our hectic schedules, but in our misinterpretation of what it means to be resilient. We often take a “tough it out” mindset to resilience; to reach for just a little bit more, like an athlete running just one more lap, a college student studying a few extra hours beyond midnight, or working a few more late night hours to wrap up a work project. We actually think that the longer we tough it out, the tougher we become and the more successful we will be.

However, this entire conception is completely inaccurate. Overworking to exhaustion is the polar opposite of resilience. Investing so much time and effort to work impairs other important areas of our lives. The resulting impact of pushing ourselves past the limit renders the brain unable to restore and sustain our well-being. Our brains need a rest as much as our bodies do.

In order to build resilience, first start by strategically pausing. Give yourself the resources to truly be tough by creating internal and external recovery periods. The very lack of a recovery period is crippling our ability to be resilient and successful. In the end, we will all be more productive and sustainable people if we take the time to pause. To REST. Allow yourself a reset in order to perform at your best level and increase your resilience.

Here's to recharging--
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com