Spark Something New
What would it look like to be in love with your life? What would it take to live as you to show up as your full and authentic self? What would you need in order to find rest? It would take a spark of something new! Something to help you think differently, act differently, build relationships differently, and lead differently. You'll find that spark here, on the Spark Something New Podcast!
Spark Something New
Episode 76: Rethinking Resilience | How to Build Sustainable Strength Without Burnout with Tissa Richards
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Episode Snapshot:
What if resilience isn’t about pushing through — but about how you live before the hard moments arrive? In this episode, Tissa Richards shares a powerful reframe — moving from reactive resilience to intentional, energy-aligned living. Learn practical tools to build sustainable strength, avoid burnout, and navigate both challenges and opportunities with clarity and confidence.
Summary:
Dr. Katie sits down with Tissa Richards to challenge the cultural narrative that resilience is about grit, endurance, and “bouncing back.” Instead, Tissa introduces a powerful reframe: what most of us have been practicing is reactive resilience — constantly responding to what’s happening to us — which keeps us stuck in survival mode.
Together, they explore the shift to intentional resilience — a proactive, energy-aligned way of living that helps you build the internal capacity to handle both challenges and opportunities. Through practical tools, real-life examples, and deeply reflective questions, this conversation invites you to move from asking “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is happening through me?” — unlocking clarity, agency, and sustainable strength in how you live, work, and lead.
Key Learnings:
- Resilience has been misunderstood. Most people equate it with endurance and survival, but that mindset keeps us stuck in reactive mode.
- Shift from reactive → intentional resilience. True resilience is something you build proactively through habits, boundaries, and self-awareness — not something you access only in crisis.
- Reframe your perspective. Asking “What’s happening through me?” instead of “to me?” creates meaning, ownership, and forward momentum.
- Micro-moments build the muscle. Small, everyday decisions — like pausing, setting boundaries, and aligning your calendar with your priorities — create long-term resilience.
- Energy fuels resilience. Noticing “glimmers” (small moments of joy or connection) helps replenish your capacity and sustain strength over time.
Resources:
- Rethinking Resilience: Fueling Sustainable Strength in a Fast-Paced World by Tissa Richards
- Website: https://www.tissarichards.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tissa-richards/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tissa_richards
Guest Info:
Tissa Richards is a resilience strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Rethinking Resilience. She works with leaders and organizations to move beyond hustle culture and redefine resilience as an intentional, energy-aligned way of living and leading. Known for her “aggressively pragmatic” approach, Tissa blends bold perspective shifts with actionable tools to help people build sustainable strength and thrive in a fast-paced world.
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.