True North Radical Resilience (TNRR): The Secret to Thriving Under Pressure and Living with Purpose
As we continue our series on building True North Radical Resilience (TNRR), we’re diving into the core of what it really means to live and lead with authentic strength—whether in your marriage, your company, or your personal life.
Resilient individuals, teams, and families don't just bounce back—they grow forward.
In fact, the research—and my professional (and personal) experience—consistently show that when you build a resilient, authentic identity, you’re far more likely to experience health, happiness, success, and fulfillment across all domains: psychological, physical, occupational, and relational.
Why Resilience Isn’t Optional Anymore
In today’s ever-changing world, resilience is not just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategic advantage—as Harvard Business Review put it—and one that can transform your life or organization from the inside out.
True North Radical Resilience is not about survival. It’s about clarity, direction, and living from your deepest values—especially when life gets messy.
The Problem with Most “Core Values” Work
Whenever I ask clients about their core values, I usually hear something like, “I’ve done values work before.”
But when we dig deeper? Here's what I typically find:
A list of values shoved into a folder, never revisited
20+ “core values” (which renders them meaningless and impractical)
Values taken from a personality assessment that don’t reflect how the person actually talks or lives
Corporate values that don’t connect with the leader’s personal values
Public-facing values that are contradicted by daily behaviors, creating confusion and distrust
Bottom line? Most people (and organizations) don’t know how to apply their values when things get tough.
So What IS True North Radical Resilience?
TNRR is about more than naming values—it’s about anchoring to them when the pressure is on. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how to act in the storm.
To understand this at a deeper level, we turn to James Fowler’s theory of identity.
Magnetic North vs. True North
Fowler, a theologian, outlined a model showing that identity maturity exists on a spectrum.
At the "Magnetic North" end, people adopt values from external sources—family, culture, religion—without deeply processing them.
This shallow identity crumbles under pressure and reacts rigidly or defensively to different viewpoints. It leads to insecurity, conflict, and resistance to growth.
In contrast, the True North model is rooted in deep authenticity. You know why your values matter. You live them. You can articulate them. And you can adapt and grow without compromising your core.
When challenges arise, you're not thrown off course—you return to your compass.
Real Resilience Is Rooted in Identity
Ask yourself:
What do my values mean to me?
Why are they so significant?
How do they show up in my daily life?
How do I make decisions—especially in crisis—based on these values?
The goal isn’t to shout “This is who I am—deal with it!” That’s not confidence. That’s insecurity disguised as certainty.
True confidence is being so grounded in your identity that you don’t feel threatened by disagreement. You lead with conviction and compassion.
The Four C’s: The Outcomes of TNRR
When you build a resilient identity, you lay the foundation for:
Clarity – You know your purpose and direction
Consistency – You show up the same way in every space
Cohesion – Your values, actions, and communication align
Conviction – You stand strong in adversity without becoming rigid
Whether you're running a company, raising a family, or rebuilding after a setback, these are the traits that will carry you forward.
So What’s Next?
This is the first pillar of True North Radical Resilience—and it’s a game-changer.
When I work with individuals and teams to define their True North, the results speak for themselves:
Employees become more productive and take fewer sick days
Companies increase profits and foster a stronger culture
Families experience deeper connection and greater emotional safety
Leaders become more trusted, influential, and effective
Ready to Set Your True North?
If you're ready to become the most resilient person in the room—or you know your team has more to give—then let's talk.