Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the lifeline that keeps us going when everything else seems to fall apart. Whether you're running a business or managing the daily ups and downs of life, building resilience in business and personal life is the key that can unlock doors you never even knew existed. Today, I'm sharing seven unbelievable strategies for building resilience in both your business and personal life. These strategies aren't just theories; they're tried-and-true methods that have helped me and countless others navigate the roughest waters. Trust me, you don’t want to miss #4—it’s a game-changer.

1. Embrace Early Independence: The Foundation of Resilience

Let's start at the beginning. My journey toward resilience began long before I ever started a business or earned my first paycheck. It began at the age of 15 when I was forced to become independent due to my parents’ divorce. Suddenly, I found myself in a situation where I had to make decisions that would affect my future without the guidance or support most teenagers take for granted. It was sink or swim, and I chose to swim.

This early experience of independence was pivotal. It taught me that building resilience in business and personal life isn’t something you're born with—it's something you build. When you're thrown into the deep end, you either learn to tread water or you drown. Those early years were tough, but they laid the groundwork for everything that followed. They taught me that no matter how difficult a situation might seem, there's always a way through it.

If you're looking to build resilience in your own life, start by embracing the challenges that come your way. Don’t shy away from difficult situations—lean into them. The more you face adversity head-on, the stronger you'll become. This applies to business just as much as it does to life. The ability to handle pressure, make tough decisions, and keep moving forward is what separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest.

2. Learn from Failure: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Failure is a part of life, but how you handle it can make all the difference. In my early career as an electrician, I faced more failures than I care to count. There were days when it seemed like nothing was going right—clients were unhappy, bills were piling up, and I was questioning whether I was even cut out for this line of work.

But here’s the thing: every failure taught me something valuable. Each setback was an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of letting failure defeat me, I used it as a stepping stone to get closer to my goals. For example, when I lost a major client because of a mistake I made, I didn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, I analyzed what went wrong and made sure it never happened again.

In business and in life, failure is inevitable. But if you can learn to see failure as feedback rather than a dead end, you’ll be on your way to building incredible resilience in business and personal life. This mindset shift is crucial. When you start viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, you'll find that nothing can hold you back for long.

3. Continuous Improvement: The Martial Arts Mindset

One of the most important strategies for building resilience in business and personal life is adopting a mindset of continuous improvement. This is something I learned from my years of training in martial arts. In the dojo, you're never done learning. No matter how skilled you become, there's always room for improvement—whether it’s refining your technique, increasing your strength, or developing your mental focus.

This principle of continuous improvement isn’t just for the dojo; it applies to every area of life, including business. When I was running my service company, I applied this mindset to everything we did. We were constantly looking for ways to improve our services, streamline our operations, and better serve our customers. This relentless pursuit of excellence is what allowed us to grow from a small operation into a multimillion-dollar business.

But continuous improvement isn’t just about getting better at what you already do; it’s also about being open to new ideas and willing to adapt to change. The world is constantly evolving, and the most resilient people are those who can evolve with it. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, learning new skills, or finding new ways to connect with your customers, the key is to never stop growing.

4. The Power of Simulations: Preparing for the Unexpected

Here’s the strategy you’ve been waiting for—#4 on our list, and it’s a big one: simulations. This is something that has made an incredible difference in my life and my business, and I’m excited to share it with you.

In martial arts, we often use simulations to prepare for real-life combat situations. Whether it’s practicing self-defense techniques against a partner or simulating a high-pressure scenario, the idea is to prepare yourself mentally and physically for what you might face in the real world. This principle is incredibly powerful when applied to business and personal life.

When I was running my coaching business, I used simulations as a core part of my training program. I would have my clients go through exercises that mimicked real-world challenges they might face in their businesses. For example, we would simulate what would happen if they lost their biggest client or faced a major financial crisis. By running these scenarios in a controlled environment, my clients were better prepared to handle them when they happened in real life.

But simulations aren’t just for business—they can be incredibly valuable in your personal life as well. For example, consider what you would do if you suddenly lost your job or faced an unexpected health crisis. By thinking through these scenarios and preparing for them, you'll be better equipped to handle them if they ever occur. It’s about expecting the unexpected and being ready for anything.

Simulations help build resilience by allowing you to rehearse your responses to difficult situations. When the real thing happens, you're not caught off guard—you've already been there in your mind, and you know exactly what to do.

5. Building a Support System: The Strength of Community

No one succeeds alone. One of the most important strategies for building resilience in business and personal life is surrounding yourself with a strong support system. This could be your family, friends, colleagues, or a network of like-minded individuals who understand what you're going through and can offer advice, encouragement, and support.

When I was first starting out, I didn’t have much of a support system. I was doing everything on my own, and it was exhausting. But as I began to build my business and connect with others in my industry, I realized how valuable it is to have people you can lean on. Whether it’s bouncing ideas off a mentor, getting feedback from a colleague, or simply having someone to talk to when things get tough, a strong support system can make all the difference.

In business, your support system might include mentors, advisors, and peers who can offer guidance and share their own experiences. In your personal life, it could be your family and friends who provide emotional support and keep you grounded. The key is to build relationships with people who genuinely care about your success and well-being.

A strong support system doesn’t just provide you with help when you need it; it also gives you the confidence to take risks and push through challenges, knowing that you have people in your corner who will catch you if you fall. This sense of community is essential for building resilience in business and personal life.

6. Embrace Change: Adaptability as a Superpower

If there’s one thing you can count on in life, it’s change. The world is constantly evolving, and the most resilient people are those who can adapt to these changes. Whether it’s a shift in the market, a new technology, or a major life event, the ability to embrace change is crucial for building resilience in business and personal life.

In my own life, adaptability has been a key factor in my success. When I first started my service company, the industry was very different from what it is today. Technology has transformed the way we do business, and those who have been able to adapt have thrived, while those who resisted change have struggled.

But adaptability isn’t just about keeping up with external changes; it’s also about being willing to change yourself. This could mean learning new skills, adopting new mindsets, or letting go of old habits that are holding you back. For example, when I transitioned from running my service company to becoming a coach, I had to completely change the way I thought about business. I was no longer just focused on growing my own company; I was now responsible for helping others grow theirs. This shift required me to adapt my approach, and it wasn’t always easy. But by embracing the change and being willing to learn, I was able to make the transition successfully.

Adaptability is a superpower because it allows you to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Instead of fearing change, you learn to see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. This mindset is essential for building resilience in business and personal life, as it enables you to thrive in any environment, no matter how unpredictable it may be.

7. Mindset Mastery: The Ultimate Tool for Resilience

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about mindset. If there’s one thing that has the power to make or break your resilience, it’s the way you think. Your mindset is the lens through which you view the world, and it has a profound impact on how you respond to challenges and setbacks.

In my experience, the most resilient people are those who have mastered their mindset. They don’t let fear, doubt, or negativity hold them back. Instead, they cultivate a positive, growth-oriented mindset that allows them to see challenges as opportunities and setbacks as temporary obstacles.

One of the most powerful ways to develop a resilient mindset is through daily practices that strengthen your mental and emotional well-being. This could include meditation, journaling, exercise, or simply taking time each day to reflect on your goals and progress. For me, martial arts has been an invaluable tool for mindset mastery. The discipline, focus, and mental toughness required in the dojo translate directly to every other area of life.

But mindset mastery isn’t just about being positive or mentally tough; it’s also about being aware of your thoughts and emotions and learning to manage them effectively. This means recognizing when you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or discouraged and taking proactive steps to address these feelings before they spiral out of control. It also means being kind to yourself and acknowledging that resilience isn’t about being perfect—it’s about persevering even when things are tough.

One personal anecdote that illustrates the power of mindset comes from a particularly challenging time in my business. We were facing a significant financial setback, and it seemed like everything was going wrong at once. I remember feeling overwhelmed and questioning whether we would be able to pull through. But instead of letting these thoughts consume me, I took a step back and reminded myself of all the times I had faced challenges before and come out stronger on the other side. I focused on what I could control, developed a plan, and took action. This shift in mindset made all the difference, and we were able to turn things around.

Your mindset is the ultimate tool for building resilience in business and personal life because it shapes how you respond to every situation. By mastering your mindset, you can develop the mental and emotional strength needed to overcome any challenge and keep moving forward, no matter what.

The Journey of Resilience

Building resilience in business and personal life isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about facing them head-on and using them as opportunities to grow and improve. The seven strategies we've covered today—embracing early independence, learning from failure, continuous improvement, the power of simulations, building a support system, embracing change, and mindset mastery—are all essential tools for developing the resilience needed to succeed in any area of life.

But remember, resilience isn’t built overnight. It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt. The good news is that every challenge you face is an opportunity to build your resilience muscles, making you stronger and more capable with each experience.

So, as you go about your day, I encourage you to think about how you can apply these strategies to your own life and business. How can you embrace the challenges you're facing right now and use them as stepping stones to greater success? How can you cultivate a resilient mindset that allows you to navigate uncertainty with confidence and grace?

The journey of resilience is one that we’re all on, whether we realize it or not. By actively working to build your resilience, you'll not only achieve your goals but also create a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and success. And remember, the strategies I've shared here aren’t just theories—they’re practical, actionable steps that you can start implementing today.

Resilience is your superpower. It’s the force that will carry you through the toughest times and propel you to heights you never thought possible. So embrace it, cultivate it, and watch as your life and business transform before your eyes.

Why Building Resilience in Business and Personal Life is Essential for Long-Term Success

If you’re still wondering whether it’s worth investing the time and effort into building resilience in both your business and personal life, let me assure you—it’s not just important, it’s essential for long-term success. Resilience is the cornerstone of a thriving life and a prosperous business. It’s what enables you to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward even when the road gets tough.

1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities

When you focus on building resilience, you enhance your problem-solving abilities. In business, this means you’re better equipped to tackle challenges head-on, find innovative solutions, and turn potential failures into opportunities for growth. In your personal life, this translates to handling stress more effectively, maintaining strong relationships, and making sound decisions even in difficult situations.

2. Increased Adaptability

Resilience and adaptability go hand in hand. By cultivating resilience, you become more adaptable to change, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Whether it’s a sudden shift in the market, a technological advancement, or a personal life event, being adaptable allows you to navigate these changes with confidence and grace, ensuring that both your business and personal life continue to flourish.

3. Greater Emotional Intelligence

Building resilience also boosts your emotional intelligence, which is a key factor in managing both personal and professional relationships. High emotional intelligence helps you understand and manage your own emotions, as well as empathize with others, leading to stronger connections, better teamwork, and more effective leadership.

4. Sustained Motivation and Drive

A resilient mindset keeps you motivated even when times are tough. It’s easy to stay driven when everything is going well, but true success comes from maintaining that drive when you face obstacles. By focusing on building resilience, you cultivate an inner strength that fuels your motivation and keeps you pushing toward your goals, no matter what challenges arise.

5. Long-Term Health and Well-Being

Let’s not forget that resilience isn’t just about mental toughness; it also contributes to your overall health and well-being. When you’re resilient, you’re less likely to succumb to stress-related illnesses, and more likely to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This not only benefits you personally but also ensures that you have the energy and focus needed to continue driving your business forward.

Questions & Answers With Mike Agugliaro

How did you become so successful, and what companies did you sell?

Look, I’ve been on my own since I was 15 years old. My parents had a nasty divorce, and I ended up in a vocational school because that’s what was expected—either you went to college, or you became a plumber or electrician. So, I became an electrician, and for about ten years, I struggled. But I didn’t quit. I invested over $4 million in my own education because I knew I needed to get better if I wanted to be successful. I grew a service company from under a million in revenue to $32 million, with 165 trucks and 200 employees. We were making double-digit profits. I sold that company in 2017, not because I didn’t love it, but because I wanted to move into a bigger, better future. Then, I started a coaching business where I trained over a thousand business owners and 20,000 service people. I sold that business in 2020 during the pandemic because I was ready to take on something new.

How did you transition from running a service company to starting a coaching business?

After years of running my service company, I realized that a lot of my peers in the industry were struggling—couldn’t find good help, were behind on bills. Meanwhile, I was over here growing my business like crazy. I got tired of dimming my light just to fit in, so I decided to go out and change the industry. I started a coaching company, but it wasn’t just coaching; it was training and implementation. I brought my martial arts background into it, and I wasn’t just teaching business tactics—I was breaking through people’s belief systems. I’d put them through intense exercises, like taking them into a parking lot at midnight, putting MMA gloves on them, and having them fight until they had nothing left. It was about breaking down their weaknesses and building them back up stronger. That’s what made the difference.

What is "Fudog," and what are you doing now?

Fudog is all about life, business, and wealth by design—because if you’re not living by design, you’re living by default. When I was coaching in the service industry, I was making people rich, but they were getting divorced, getting sick, and burning out. That wasn’t my intention. After I sold the coaching business, I wanted to create something more balanced. Foodog helps people grow in all areas of life—personally, professionally, and financially. We do this through training, online programs, resources, and sometimes partnerships where we take equity in companies and help them grow. It’s about creating a life that’s intentional, successful, and fulfilling.

How did you maintain loyalty when selling your companies, especially with restrictions from buyers?

Loyalty is everything to me. When I sold my service company, I was told I couldn’t work with certain vendors anymore. One of these vendors had been with me for ten years, and we had built a strong relationship. The buyers told me I couldn’t work with him, and I told them to kill the deal. My business partner didn’t like it, but I wasn’t going to compromise on loyalty. Eventually, the buyers agreed, and now that vendor is a partner with me and my wife in our current business. I’m so loyal that even Wikipedia couldn’t define it better than me.

What advice do you have for martial arts business owners during uncertain times, like the COVID-19 pandemic or upcoming elections?

You’ve got to be ready for anything. If you weren’t prepared for COVID, you weren’t thinking ahead. You need to be like Nostradamus, always looking into the future and anticipating what could happen next. Run simulations—put yourself in different situations to see how you’d handle them. Don’t be reactive; be proactive. Look at what’s happening around you, like economic instability or rising crime, and prepare for it. Your business should be a one-stop shop, saving people time and adding value. That’s how you stay ahead, no matter what’s coming.

What are some threats that martial arts business owners should be preparing for?

There are a few big ones—economic instability, rising crime, and the rapid advancement of technology. We’re already in a silent recession, and it’s going to get tougher. People’s certainty in their future is way down, and crime is on the rise. You’ve got to be prepared for these things. Run simulations in your business—just like in martial arts, where you practice different scenarios, do the same in your business. Make sure you’re ready for anything, from economic downturns to technological disruptions. And don’t forget to focus on adding value by becoming a one-stop shop for your customers.

Should martial arts business owners have specific preparedness measures like generators or food supplies?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t call myself a prepper, but I believe in being prepared. With the way things are going, you should have essentials like food and a generator. I’m also a big believer in the right to bear arms—you’ve got to be able to protect yourself and your family. Have some cash reserves on hand, and not just for three months—I’m talking 12 months. Health is another big one—take care of yourself, stay fit, and keep your mind sharp. And make sure your family is on the same page, so you’re all prepared if something goes down.

Who are some of the best relationships you’ve worked with out of the entrepreneurs that others might know?

I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people—Jay Abraham, Mike McAlewitz, Dean Jackson, Joe Polish, and Kevin Harrington, to name a few. But what’s more important than who I know is how I’ve built these relationships. I’ve always approached them with a mindset of service, asking what I can do for them rather than what they can do for me. That’s how you build real, lasting relationships.

What should martial arts business owners be marketing against in today's environment?

You’re not just marketing against your competitors; you’re marketing against global consciousness and the current environment. That means you need to understand what people are really concerned about—economic instability, personal safety, and their future—and address those issues in your marketing. You’re not just selling martial arts classes; you’re selling peace of mind, confidence, and a sense of security.

What should martial arts business owners be prepared for in the next three months?

In the next three months, you should be ready for civil unrest, especially with the upcoming elections, and potential disruptions due to economic instability. Have essentials like food, ammunition, and cash on hand. Make sure your business and personal life are as secure as possible, and stay healthy—physically and mentally. And always have a plan—know where you’ll go and what you’ll do if things go south.