In life, setbacks are inevitable. They come in different shapes and sizes, testing our resolve and challenging our determination. This year, I found myself navigating through pockets of setbacks and discouragement that I never anticipated. There were moments when I questioned my intentions and contemplated giving up on the goals I had set for myself. It felt as though I was on the brink of settling into complacency, resigned to the belief that perhaps this was as far as I could go.
Thankfully when you’ve formed certain supportive habits like seeking out positive information to boost you on your journey, encouragement comes along. I came across a coach who proclaimed that he never coaches anyone over 25, as they never change. It struck a chord with me, and for a moment, I feared that I was destined to remain stagnant, forever trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. However, the biggest mistake we make in life is to believe that we can become superhuman overnight. That we can achieve every goal we set with no difficulties. We convince ourselves that a single resolve will magically transform our lives, unaware of the inherent vulnerability that comes with being human.
Being human means we shall fall short every now and then. It means accepting that setbacks will inevitably come our way, and that failure is an integral part of the journey towards growth and self-discovery. Being human means embracing our imperfections and acknowledging our limitations. It's during these moments that our true character is revealed, and our resilience is put to the test.
One of my mentors shared a poignant example of resilience in the face of setback. He had set a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day this year, only to be struck down by a stomach bug that left him bedridden for two weeks. In an instant, his momentum was lost, and his energy depleted. He could have easily succumbed to discouragement and abandoned his goal altogether. However, instead of giving up, he chose to adapt his approach. He recognized that while his original target may no longer be feasible, he could still strive for progress by setting a more manageable goal of walking for 15 minutes a day. It wasn't the grandiose achievement he had envisioned, but it was a testament to his resilience and determination to keep moving forward despite the obstacles in his path.
I found myself reflecting on my own journey and the setbacks I had encountered along the way. How many times had I allowed a setback to derail my progress, instead of finding creative ways to adapt and overcome? How often had I sacrificed my aspirations at the altar of self-doubt and fear of failure? It was a sobering realization, prompting me to reassess my approach to goal-setting and expectation management. I’m not going to give in, I shall instead downgrade my expectations, take it in strides I can manage until when I can increase those strides. Afterall, I trust I am way ahead of those that have already dropped their goals.
If you’re like me, facing self-doubt due to one reason or another, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What have you compromised or abandoned altogether because of a setback? How could you have downgraded your expectations and made your goals more manageable, without sacrificing your commitment to progress? Imagine where you would be if you had persevered and pursued even just 25% of what you had originally planned.
Downgrading your expectations can sometimes make the difference between making progress and giving up. We need to embrace our humanity with humility and grace. Let us recognize that setbacks are not signs of weakness, but opportunities for growth and self-discovery. And let us remember that true success is not measured by the absence of failure, but by our ability to rise above adversity and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
