We’re heading toward the end of February and now have about 10 months left in the year. If you had planned to lose 12kg by the end of the year, you should have lost on average at least 2 kg by now. If you had planned to start a business, by now you should have a few things in place, even if it’s just having the basic facts and figures of what you require to begin.
If you wanted to change jobs, you should have made some job applications by now, if you wanted to start a new habit like eating healthy or exercising, you should have started by now and are catching on with the new routine - you get the drift.
It’s a good time to check in and see if you’re still on track or if you need to make some drastic changes before the year catches you by surprise. I know I need to do this. By now there are several things I should be having in place but I’m yet to get to it. I’m sure, just like me, perhaps you have a very good reason why you haven’t done so, maybe some setback came your way, or you encountered some challenge at the beginning of the year and it has slowed you down.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. Just when we think we've got it all figured out, BAM! A setback hits us like a freight train. It's very easy at this point to get caught in a trap of inaction as you wallow in self-pity or rest. Setbacks are expected and we all get them.
Have you ever noticed that when you become serious about something, is when there’s a strong opposition to your attempts? In Christianity, they say, if you’re not facing any challenges, you must be traveling in the same direction as the devil. I would say the same with trying to change your life or to achieve anything significant, you’ll be faced with both direct and indirect detractors.
Whether it's a failed project, a breakup, a health issue, or a career setback, it can feel like the universe is conspiring against you. But here's the thing: setbacks are not the end of the road; they're just detours on the path of life. You might have faced career difficulties, job loss, or job rejection, perhaps you’ve accrued a debt you did not expect, faced a health issue that threw you off-guard, are having relationship challenges or just experiencing a personal loss.
All these are setbacks that can make you settle into a trap of inaction as you pause and wait to recover or for an opportune time.
So, how do we handle these setbacks and get back on track?
We need to allow ourselves to feel whatever emotions come up. Whether it's anger, sadness, or frustration, it's important to acknowledge and process those feelings. Cry it out, punch a pillow, scream into the void – do whatever you need to do to let it out. But, whatever you do, don't set up camp in Negative Town. Sure, it's okay to visit from time to time, but don't unpack your bags and stay awhile. Dwelling on setbacks only gives them more power over us. Instead, dust yourself off and get back in the game by focusing on what you can control.
Remember, setbacks are not a reflection of your worth or abilities. They're simply part of the journey. Every setback gives us a chance to learn something new about ourselves and the world around us. Maybe that failed relationship taught you what you want in a partner. Maybe it taught you how to handle things differently or gave you a deeper appreciation of life. Maybe the setback is meant to make you stronger in the new endeavor.
But perhaps the most important thing to remember when handling setbacks is resilience. Resilience is like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. So, flex that resilience muscle every chance you get. Use setbacks as an opportunity to prove to yourself just how resilient you are.
And finally, surround yourself with a support system. Friends, family, mentors – whoever lifts you up when you're feeling down. Lean on them when you need to, and don't be afraid to ask for help. We're all in this crazy journey called life together, so let's lift each other up and cheer each other on.
When I face some setback, I go back to my articles every now and then to remind myself what I believe in and gain some strength. I’m also part of some network groups that I go to and get refreshed whenever I feel I’m waning. Remember to keep dusting off and get back in the game. Don’t dwell too long in the negative town or the grass will grow and take you back a few steps
