Alexandra Konstanti

Essentially, the study shows that success isn’t just about having more resources—it’s about using them more creatively and effectively than others in the market.

My mother is an amazing cook and the first resourceful person I know. She would quickly read a recipe’s ingredients list, and as if replying directly to the recipe, she’d monologue, “Pardon me, I don’ t have these staff but istead I will put those staff. It will turn out to be even better actually.”. And it did.

My father was the second source of resourcefulness in the house. When something needed fixing, my father was always there for the rescue. He was also talking to himself ” I don’ t have this screw or that cable but I have that thing that it can actually do the work”. And it did.

Later on, I took this skill along with my suitcases to live on my own. I forgot to take a hammer though, to place some nice paintings on the wall. A strong steel lid of a large pot did the trick. I was being resourceful.

Why is Resourcefullness Wanted

Resourcefulness is the skill of finding solutions using whatever you have available. This mindset kicks in when you’re facing an obstacle, realizing you lack a resource that could magically fix it, but you manage to solve the problem anyway. It’s the heart of the saying, “Don’t work harder, work smarter.”

Being resourceful means:

Thinking outside the box.

Being ready to be agile and not go by the book.

Thinking wisely financial and time resources.

Being strategic of the usage of available resources.

Getting the best out of what you have.

Being ready to develop an old skill or learn a new one.

Looking for alternatives on a challenge rather than freezing or giving up.

For professionals, companies, start- ups, CEOs this way of thinking and working is a proactive attitude that increases revenue, protects profits and helps the company grow with every possible way. And not just in business, resourcefulness is a super card in your sleeve in personal life too:

It is based on some important core traits: Creativity, proactivity, resilience and agility. People perceive individuals who think this way and get the work done, seemingly effortlessly, as innovators. These individuals have results and success while saving money, time and energy.

Resourcefulness under Study

Studies (Ceyhan & Ceyhan, 2011; Kennett & Keefer, 2006) reveal that university students who exhibit high levels of resourcefulness also show stronger traits of self-control, self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness compared to their less resourceful peers. These students are more likely to utilize available resources and seize opportunities in their environment. A study by Akgun and Ciarrochi (2003) found that resourceful students tend to be less affected by academic stress; even in challenging conditions, like unavoidable noise or repeated failures, they persist with their tasks. Furthermore, resourceful students have a variety of behavioral and cognitive skills that help them manage their emotions and maintain self-control, contributing to their resilience and adaptability.

In a study called “Creating Something from Nothing,” researchers at Johnson Cornell University looked at 29 companies operating with limited resources. These entrepreneurs found creative ways to deliver unique services by repurposing what they already had. The researchers introduced the term “entrepreneurial bricolage” to describe this clever, highly valuable approach. Essentially, the study shows that success isn’t just about having more resources—it’s about using them more creatively and effectively than others in the market.

How to Cultivate Resourcefulness

First of all, a solution- oriented mindset is to be cultivated.

During a seminar on Effective Teaching Methods, I realized the difference certain words have on our mental and emotional state. The professors referred to the “problems” we teachers addressed as “challenges.” This change in wording brought a whole new meaning to the experience. Now, the focus was on the excitement and exploration of the situation, rather than on struggle and impossibility.

Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.

Ernest Hemingway

Is it actually helpful to think about what you don’t have, the moment you face a challenge? Acceptance is another mental and emotional state to add to your mindset. Embracing the limitations of a situation and focusing on utilizing limited resources can lay strong foundations for developing resourcefulness.

Remembering old skills, information, gained knowledge, reading and observing new ideas, people and actions is a big step towards creativity and innovative solutions.

Resources in front of You

In the end, resourcefulness isn’t just about making it happen with what we have. It’s a mindset that pushes us to see possibilities where others see obstacles. From cooking with substitutions to fixing things on the fly, resourcefulness empowers us to adapt and thrive. So, next time you’re faced with a tricky situation, ask yourself: What can I use, change, or rethink to make this work? You might be surprised at the solutions waiting right in front of you.

Did you have a “resourceful experience”?