Overcome

Overcome

A. Expect setbacks. Any successful person experiences setbacks. It goes hand in hand with trying something bigger and better. Setbacks happen, so expect and accept them when they come.

B. Set time limits for disappointment. Allow yourself time to acknowledge your feelings of disappointment. In addition, put a time limit on how long you will focus on that feeling. You might still feel disappointment, but redirect that emotional energy toward progress.

C. Manage your blind spots. If failure causes us to lose perspective, anticipate what will cause you to lose yours. What’s your blind spot?

Others might assume that a setback is exclusively their fault and miss other contributing factors. It keeps you from accurately assessing what really happened and what you need to do.

D. Less emotion and more information. Objectively look at what happened. Was there an event or decision that created a change in course?

Be a researcher and actually write down what worked and what didn’t. Write down what factors created the setback. Was there funding? Was there enough interest? Seeing the facts on paper void of emotion can crystallize the facts. Be objective.

E. Rely on “now what?” Successful people find a path to progress. James might consider a different assortment for his store, more marketing, an event to encourage new customers or more social media focus.

Make a list of options and then evaluate each of them based on what the situation requires, not what feeds your greatest emotional need.

F. Think tomorrow more than next year. A change in course can be overwhelming when you have too many decisions to make. Feeling overwhelmed leads to stagnation because doing nothing seems easier in the moment than making big decisions.

Instead, ask yourself, What can I do tomorrow or next week to make progress? Start there. You need a long-term direction, but it might evolve rather than being an aha moment.

G. Learn what must be learned. Research on Wave Makers, and the research on other successful people, reveals a confident willingness to learn what must be learned. Rather than saying I could never start a business, successful people determine what they must learn to become an entrepreneur.

A lack of experience or knowledge doesn’t close a door, but defines what must be learned. In my research, I met successful entrepreneurs who knew nothing about running a business or even their product when they started. Or those who started an impactful nonprofit with no knowledge of managing any organization. But they learned and surrounded themselves with those who knew what they didn’t know. The lack of knowledge was a path that must be followed rather than a dead end.

H. Manage your self-talk. Setbacks and disappointment can create self-doubt. Manage your internal thoughts so you stay focused on the future and what you can do next. Give yourself credit for doing important work and trying something new.

After all, a setback is a setup for a comeback.

Reference: Patti Johnson, 8 Ways Successful People Overcome Setbacks, Success

Make sure you are eating plenty of fiber rich foods, proteins, complex carbs, fruits, and veggies. Even though the temperature is dropping make sure you are well hydrated. Your body will thank you.

Have an AWESOME Thursday!

Make IT A Great Day!