Written by Annette Densham, Chief Storyteller
Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders in establishing themselves as authorities in their field.
Loz Antonenko is a vibrant woman, and she brings an energy into the world that is nothing short of contagious. Every time I talk to her, I am reminded that resilience is born from impossible situations, traumatic life events, and the decision that your current circumstances will not determine your trajectory. Loz did this, and hearing her reflect on it is always eye-opening.
“In an era of highlight reels and success stories, it is easy to forget that some of the most resilient, successful people have had their lives shattered and rebuilt,” she says, and I cannot think of a greater way to inspire someone who is currently overwhelmed. Being in the midst of a crisis can feel a lot like drowning. It is as if you have been hit by a tsunami and are being tossed around like a ragdoll in a hurricane. Which way is up? You are so far under that you cannot even tell where to break the surface to draw breath.
As impossible as it seems, there is growth here. This is where expansion happens.
Loz preaches that “There is no place like rock bottom to catapult yourself upwards, fast. Knowing how to use adversity as leverage is not intuitive; you need to adopt the mindset and consciously choose resilience.”
Here are Loz’s best tips for surviving and thriving when you feel like crashing and burning:
1. When life throws you a punch, learn to roll with it (and yes, it will throw them)
First, adversity is not optional, but it is also not the end of the world. When everything feels like it is falling apart, we often slip into the “Why me?” spiral. But this mindset just keeps you stuck. So, let yourself sit with the hardship for a moment, acknowledge it, and then start shifting gears. Ask yourself: What is the lesson here? What am I meant to learn or change?
Embracing adversity and even welcoming it as a catalyst for growth takes courage. It is about learning to see challenges as tools rather than threats. Think of a setback as a crash course in how not to do something. Take your new insights and use them to reshape your path, impact your industry, or inspire your community.
2. Failure is your free crash course in what not to do
Resilience is not innate; it is built by facing one failure after another and choosing to learn rather than retreat. Each failure presents a lesson in patience, humility, and self-acceptance. Maybe you are tired of lessons. Maybe you do not want to be stronger. It gets heavy, and it gets hard.
But these challenges will shape you into the kind of person who would not flinch at the struggles that bring you to your knees right now. That future version of you is on the other side of this adversity. Keep going.
When you embrace failure as a learning opportunity, you develop a mindset primed for growth, innovation, and success.
3. You’re not a crow, so define your version of success
Traditional success markers such as titles, income, and the corner office might look shiny, but they are not the ultimate measure of success. Crows love shiny objects, but you do not have to follow the status quo. A personal or professional crisis can be the perfect time to check in with your values. Are you on a path that genuinely aligns with what fulfills you, or are you chasing someone else’s idea of success?
What do you really want? A great exercise to identify your values is to answer a simple question. If heaven knew you were on your way, what would it do to prepare for you? What you truly desire is your definition of heaven on earth, and this will dictate your path forward.
4. Small habits, big shifts (the most underrated secrets to success)
Feeling the pressure to overhaul your life overnight? You do not have to. Tiny, purposeful actions can lead to massive momentum over time. Start small by choosing one or two habits that align with the person you want to become, and integrate them into your daily routine.
Resilience, like a muscle, is exercised and developed. Think of each setback as a workout for that resilience muscle. Every time you navigate a difficult situation, you are training yourself to adapt, bounce back, and continue moving forward. This quality will serve you in ways no formal training ever could.
Knocked down and stronger for it
So, the next time you are knocked flat, ask yourself. How will I rebuild? What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind from this moment? Embrace the mess, rewrite the rules, and let these tough moments drive you toward a career that is not just successful but truly unbreakable. This is not the end. It is your comeback, and it is going to be unforgettable.
Annette Densham, Chief Storyteller Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders in establishing themselves as authorities in their field. She has shared her insights into storytelling, media, and business across Australia, UK, and the US speaking for Professional Speakers Association, Stevie Awards, Queensland Government, and many more. Three times winner of the Grand Stevie Award for Women in Business, gold Stevie International Business Award, and a finalist in Australian Small Business Champion awards, Annette audaciously challenges anyone in small business to cast aside modesty, embrace their genius and share their stories.
