Setbacks are common in life. Something happens or doesn’t and completely interrupts our attempt to gain ground. We’ve learned recently how quickly negative occurrences can knock us off course, leaving us in pain and worry. We all have our season of experiencing hardships and failing to succeed, even the most successful people today have had their fair share of disturbances throughout their journey to greatness. I too have gone through my fair share of trials as well, and have even felt as if life was just not on my side. However, I found ways to redirect my thoughts to move past the emotional, financial or physical pain of these occurrences and finding a way to prevail through them all.

Getting through tough times can sometimes seem impossible, especially when you’re at the beginning stages of the hardship. I find what helps me the most in facing hard situations, is not to view them as a permanent circumstance. Instead, I view them as temporary conditions that have delayed my progress and now require a creative re-approach and optimistic mindset to finding recourse and rebuilding momentum. Believe it or not, this unexpected upset may warrant a completely different, yet positive outcome than initially expected. Recognizing that our biggest downfalls or misfortunes can essentially be the ultimate propelling factors of our futures and goals is a great perspective to have. Take what you’ve been faced with and use to your advantage. Be realistic but also find the strength to be resilient and confident in your abilities to overcome the test.

I learned that challenges in life are inevitable. What matters most however, is the way we respond. The best way to rise above the set backs encountered is through resiliency. This means finding the strength and determination to propel forward, even when its more enticing to simply sulk in the disappointing moment(s).

Extinguish Negative Thought Cycles
Thinking negatively will only further delay your progress. Destroy any existing thoughts that aren’t in line with your positive progression. I suggest to find ways to be valuable distracted. Self help books are a great option to escape to and find the encouragement and ideas you might need to improve. Much of my self help literary has made a positive impact in my professional career by shaping my perspective and approaches and also encouraging me to learn new skills that have ultimately be worthwhile throughout my career. I’ve found podcasts to also be a great resource to lean on and find the inspiration I need to pull myself out of a funk. Listening to transparent discussions about failures, successes and how they’ve found the light at the end of the tunnel themselves, provides relief that we are all subject to seasons of misfortune and shortfall.

Spiritually/Emotionally Heal
Turning to my religious beliefs during periods of suffering instills the power I need to move on. Finding the ability to forgive and release the lingering feelings of resentment towards myself or other people relieves me of any weight that may be holding me back. Honestly, this is exactly where I turn whether encountering something positive or negative. I find peace in the spiritual connection I’ve developed, and I have an increase in hope that better days are ahead. Knowing that a higher purpose has a plan that although I may not have the a full visual of, is still in line with the life I am seeking. I’m able to face the larger challenges with a sense of calmness, clarity and strength because I know that higher being is orchestrating it all. I don’t expect things to go right all the time, but I do know from past experiences and through that spiritual connection, I’m equipped with what I need to make it through anything bad or good.

Staying Committed
I hold myself accountable in remaining committed to giving my best self in relationships, friendships and work is important to building resiliency in the face of challenges. If I feel like I’m showing up as the best version of myself in these areas, I won’t be discouraged to continue trying to be a better of myself.

My work is a reflection of me. For the most part, I’m able to control what I touch which gives me a sense of pride and boosts my confidence especially when my efforts have been an impact on my department or organization in some way. Being committed to providing results I can stand behind helps me recover from any setbacks or failures along the way.

Reassess Your Goal
There have been plenty of times when life and work were all going great and plans were in full motion, but then something came along and knocked them off course. Real resiliency shows up the way we adapt to things like this. The forced diversion could be the push needed to reassess what was and wasn’t working to begin with. This could be there perfect opportunity to implement a new plan of action or determine if its time to disengage altogether. Setbacks aren’t alway bad. They could be the turning point we need to make real progress and product the results we’ve been needing.

Find Balance
Having a full plate isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes having too much going on is like asking for trouble. More often than not, our ability to recover from life’s unexpected challenges is a reflection of how we managed to balance life before. Prioritizing work, social and family obligations is important in finding a sense of balance. Not everything will receive the same amount of dedication but its important to spread things as evenly as possible.