There are few superhero traits that anyone possess, but the one underrated power we ALL have is resourcefulness. It is a trait and skill that is not taught enough in our schools, but highly valued in any company on the planet. Why?

The need for resourcefulness comes into play because of one simple fact. PROBLEMS EXIST. They always have and they always will.

The word, resourceful is defined by Dictionary.com as

able to deal skillfully and promptly with new situations, difficulties, etc.

So, how do you develop this superhero trait? There are 3 common traits:

Trait #1 – They are Determined.
When you want to solve a given problem, how determined are you? At what point do you give up?

It is said that Colonel Harlan Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, talked to and was rejected 1009 times before someone finally said “yes.” He started on this journey when he received his first social security check of $105. He could have said, “Poor me.” He could’ve said, “I’m too old.” But he didn’t. He kept going until he got the answer he wanted. He would eventually sell his franchise for $2,000,000 in 1964 when he was 73 years old.

Trait #2 – They are Open-Minded and Optimistic.
No answers will show up to those who are closed-minded and negative. If you say, “There are no answers,” then guess what? No answers will ever show up. You must be open-minded and you must believe that the answers will arrive.

Thomas Edison said,

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this – you haven’t.

It is said that he once explained his view of failure when repeatedly he had failed at creating the incandescent bulb:

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

His optimism gave way to invention and finding the answers he needed. Aren’t we glad he didn’t give up?

Trait #3 – They are Proactive.
Resourceful people get busy doing. They don’t accept the status quo as the final answer. They have dreams of a better ending and they simply do what must be done. I love the examples of history that teach us so much as evidenced in the two stories I’ve already shared.

Sly Stallone, who is synonymous with Rocky, was once nearly broke and ended up selling his dog, Butkus. This happened about 6 months before his movie hit it big. The fun part of this is that he eventually bought Butkus back and he was actually involved in a couple of the following movies.

Sometimes, it’s easy to get depressed and do nothing. No doubt, it was hard to sell his beloved pup at the time. But if you get busy doing, you’ll certainly find answers. And remember, some of the very best resources are the people in your life.

What About You?
Have you been down and out? Have you ever faced a problem that seemed impossible to solve and then found your way? What resources did you find and use? What advice would you give to those struggling with the same situation? Leave your comments below.