Resilience isn’t an absolute characteristic; rather it is a combination of traits of varying degrees in people. Resilient people, whom psychologist Daryl Conner terms O-Type, perceive more opportunity than non-resilient people do. They approach life as meaningful, and as a guiding beacon through the challenges of change. Their optimistic view lets them see each new day as providing a new set of opportunities and choices; they view disruption as a necessary part of adjusting to the challenges of change.
In contrast to O-Type individuals, D-Types perceive danger; they are individuals who use defense mechanisms such as denial, distortion, and delusions to deflect change and are reactive. The opposite O-Type individuals are proactive, and understand when to ask for help.