How Do You Deal With Setbacks?

Forrest Gump certainly possessed a lot of wisdom because life IS definitively like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re going to get. There are assorted flavors that are fruity, chewy, and sometimes nutty. We may not even like all of the chocolates in the box, but we have to deal with them.

There are many words to describe what happens when we don’t get what we want. Some use the term “failure” but even that word is used in the wrong context most of the time. We opt for words like “setback” and “stalled.” I think Thomas Edison allegedly said it best, “I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb.”

Whatever you want to call it, these are the road bumps in life. If life was always smooth sailing, we’d be pretty poorly equipped people. The first rough patch and we’d probably be carried off in a strait jacket.

Have you ever seen the hands of a farmer? His skin is wrinkled and dark from long winters and blistering summers. On his palms are thick areas of skin from tousling with ropes and equipment. Those calluses form in response to his work so that the next time, his hands will be prepared for the ropes.

With the proper help, we will bounce back. Setbacks can beat us down to where we don’t want to try anymore. It is hard to make it alone, but having someone else along for the ride can soften the road bumps and keep us moving in a positive direction. This is exactly where a life and/or business coach can come into play.

Some setbacks require the buddy system to overcome. The buddy can be a coach, counselor friend, or family member. Their job is to be a sounding board for you. If needed, they offer advice to get you going again. This person is your counterweight to keep your life in balance when it threatens to tip one way or another.

Part of bouncing back from a loss or setback is putting the situation in proper perspective. You lost the race, because you didn’t practice enough or the other racers were better. Counter that setback with more practice. Even ask for tips from other racers. Look to the positive side for answers to setbacks.

Would it feel good to give up? Of course it wouldn’t. You’d harp on your loss. Getting back in the saddle as soon as possible is the key to regaining your confidence and the will to try again.