There are all sorts of words to describe what happens at the times when we don’t get what we really want. Some use the term “failure”, but even that word is often used in the wrong context. Instead, many people seem to use words like “setback” or “stalled”, perhaps because they sound more pleasant. Call them what you like, these are the terms for the road bumps in life. If life was always smooth sailing, we’d be pretty poorly equipped people. If we didn’t have all of our intense personal experiences – at the first tough point, we’d in all likelihood have to be carted off to an asylum.
Have you ever seen the hands of a farmer? The skin on his hands is dark and deeply wrinkled from long hard winters and blistering hot summers. The palms of his hands have really thick calluses from regularly working ropes and heavy equipment. These calluses form so that his hands will be better prepared for the coming work.
Setbacks often function in the same way. One area where people consistently experience setbacks is weight loss. Oh, the stories some people could probably tell… When the pounds pile on, we’re ready to try even harder. Or do we, do we really have the ability to take control?
With the proper help we can bounce back. Setbacks in life, and especially those in work, can beat us down to where we don’t even want to try anymore. It’s hard to make it alone. Having someone else along for the ride can soften the road bumps and keep us moving in a positive direction. Some setbacks require the buddy system to overcome. This buddy can be a friend, family member, or a counsellor. Their job is to be a sounding board for you. If needed, they offer sound advice to get you going again. This person is your personal counterweight to keep your life – and your career opportunities in balance, at those times when you feel you’re tipping over the edge.
Part of bouncing back from a loss or a setback is putting the situation into the proper perspective. You lost the race, ether because you didn’t practice enough or because the other racers were better. Counter that setback with more practice – even ask for tips from other racers. Look on the positive side for answers to those setbacks.
Would it feel good to give up? Of course it wouldn’t. Getting back in the saddle as soon as possible is the essential key to regaining your confidence.
Alan Gillies is the Managing Director of the Learning 2 Live Enterprise, an online Lifestyles resource which explores various aspects of business and pleasure, comprising an array of Lifestyle topics which cover Relationships, Health, Wellbeing, Career, Travel & Coaching, and more. Alan has a great deal of hands on experience throughout a wide variety of business disciplines including Coaching and Mentoring, Change Management and NLP training techniques.
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