Setbacks Are Part of the Process

When working toward your goals, a setback isn't a reason to quit. Setbacks are temporary, unless you choose to allow them to be permanent. When working toward a goal, you will encounter challenges and obstacles. That is part of the process. Learn from the setback and keep focused on what is most important, achieving your goal.

I often tell my clients that there are no straight lines in nature, and there are no straight lines when achieving a goal. The process of working towards a goal will have turns and twists, and even a few detours. That is all natural and common. You simply have to learn as you go. You will gain more determination and knowledge from the setbacks than from the times when you are easily coasting along. Setbacks are gifts in disguise, teaching you exactly what you are made of.

When you have a setback, the best thing to do is to keep on moving. One of the greatest examples of how to handle a setback can be observed in figure skating. During a competition, if a skater falls, he or she immediately gets up and continues with the routine. Afterwards, skaters study the tapes to see what happened and learn from that incident, but they don't let a fall stop them.

Keep on going, no matter what setback occurs. Setbacks are part of the process. I believe setbacks are tests to see how determined and committed you really are to achieving success. If you pass the test and continue past the setback, you have a greater chance of achieving your goal.