Rooted in resilience: lessons from tulips that thrive during snowfall
My tulips 2025. (Photo credit: SCM)
Some days ago, as I gazed out the window, I found myself admiring the resilience of my tulips once again.
They bloomed with the arrival of spring, just as they do every year. But April brings with it one last winter breath: an unexpected, heavy snowfall. The delicate stems of my tulips bent under the weight, and their colorful petals were hidden beneath a blanket of white. As I looked at them, I couldn't help but wonder: Will they make it through this time?
But the next morning, when the sun returned, the tulips had already begun to recover. The snow melted away, and the tulips stood tall once again—strong, vibrant, and colorful.
It was in this simple moment that I was reminded of something essential: resilience is not about avoiding challenges or never falling down. It’s about getting back up, no matter how hard the storm may hit.
In the world of work, there are also late winters
Just as my tulips face unexpected frosts, we, too, face late winters in our careers. These are the moments when everything seems to be falling into place, and then—unexpectedly—comes a storm:
Sudden company changes
Loss of key clients
Team conflicts
Emotional burnout
In those moments, we often feel overwhelmed. It’s as if we’ve been hit by something we never saw coming. But just like the tulips, we too have the ability to bounce back.
What can we learn from tulips?
Preparation happens before the storm
Tulips are planted in the fall, long before they bloom in spring. Similarly, building habits of self-care, emotional management, and a clear sense of purpose during “calm times” prepares us for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Tip: Create a routine that prioritizes your well-being—physical exercise, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. This will help you handle stress when the unexpected arises.Flexibility is strength, not weakness
If the tulip stems were rigid, they’d snap under the weight of the snow. But instead, they bend, adapt, and thrive. In the workplace, adaptability is a mark of maturity and strength, not fragility.
Tip: Develop a mindset that embraces change rather than resists it. Stay curious and open to learning, especially during challenging times. Flexibility allows you to remain steady when things feel uncertain.The environment matters
Tulips thrive in fertile soil and with ample sunlight. In our careers, the environments we surround ourselves with—both physically and mentally—play a crucial role in our growth.
Tip: Evaluate your workplace environment and relationships. Are they helping you grow? Seek out mentors, supportive colleagues, and spaces that encourage your personal and professional development. A healthy environment nurtures resilience.Beauty returns after the storm
Even after the harshest frost, the tulips emerge more vibrant and stronger than before. Similarly, every time we face a difficult period and push through it, we come out with new lessons, confidence, and experience.
Tip: Reflect on past challenges that you’ve overcome. Recognize the growth and strength you gained from those moments. This reflection fuels future resilience.
Invitation for reflection
As you move through your own professional journey, I invite you to reflect on your own “tulips.”
What part of you has withstood more than you thought possible?
What lessons have blossomed after your most recent “snowstorm”?
As a coach, I’ve had and have the privilege of guiding professionals through their “winters,” helping them emerge stronger—like tulips after a frost. It’s always reaffirming to see how, with the right tools, awareness, and support, blooming truly is possible.
Have you ever experienced a “winter” in your career? What did you learn from it?
Ask for a free consultation if you want help overcoming your winters!
