5 Ways to Overcome Setbacks and Keep Moving Towards Your Goals

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Success is a funny thing. You can do everything right, but sometimes things don’t go your way. That’s when it’s important to remember that you’re where you need to be. Believe it or not, the not-so-great moments will be the best reasons when we celebrate success. Let me explain why…

When we stumble, it’s an opportunity for personal growth. We grow out of bad habits and learn from our mistakes. If we never failed, we would never know how strong we are. So instead of looking at failure as a negative, see it as a positive! It’s all part of the journey to success.

Not ready to buy it?

No problem.

What’s the thing that can set you off? What can quickly put you in a bad mood? Is it annoying that other people like talking to you when you don’t feel like talking? Do people who park badly or in your spot get you fired up? Or, what about those passionate chewers that eat loudly? Maybe it’s the one coworker or employee who works with no sense of urgency? Perhaps, it’s the people with poor hygiene that get you going? And let us not forget about the liars, control freaks, or braggers that must steal the show!

I felt compelled to write about this because I have some experience. Who am I kidding? I like what I like, and sometimes that can be troublesome for me and not the person who does the annoying act. Have you ever vented to someone a time or two, and they had a silent look on their face and said nothing after you unleashed your frustrations? I have to say, read between those lines. Let’s face it, we all have things that get us annoyed or upset, and when it has the power to grip our joy and focus, we know that we have gone too far.

So how do we get back?

I say we go forward.

Right now, all of these antics get us to switch our moods. It causes us to take time out of the day or when we meet up for cocktails or in bed with our partner to discuss these things to no end. Have you noticed that it doesn’t get better when making this choice?

That brings us to this point.

If you are struggling to get out of your way and break free from habits that hold you back, I have some tips that will help pull you forward.

1. Say good things about them.

You might think, why on earth would I say anything good about them? They aggravate me, vex me, and I can’t stand it when they are around. Think about it. Every time they are in your presence, you instantly react the same way. No matter which part pertains to you, this works because it frees your mind and energy from being connected to them. By consciously saying something good or manifesting positive thoughts for feelings that you would like to have in the future, there is no better way than to train your brain on the inside out to be released.

2. Switch up your behavior when you feel triggered.

We sometimes react in our pattern and are unaware that we do the same thing when we feel something strongly. We overtalk, complain, get moody, cry, and have our go-to moods and reactions when we are not pleased. The next time you feel this way, go to the mirror and play back what you just said or wait until you are in front of the mirror and express yourself. You will be amazed by the expressions on your face and what is coming from your mouth. I did this and looked like a toddler, and I snapped right out of it. This method works.

3. Decide to let it go.

First, you must determine that it’s now or never to change. This act encompasses switching up your actions. Often it is easier to act one way, but still, it can be challenging to rethink in a new direction. It will feel uneasy because it takes a while to break habits. It is not an easy task to decide to change completely. At first, it will seem safer to keep one foot in and one out, but in the long run, the struggle will ease away sooner when you choose to commit all the way.

4. Don’t try to control the situation.

Stop trying to control the situation. At first, this sounds like a great idea, but when you think you are in control, your energy renews a new contract with the person or situation. You shift your mood and behavior to set aside time and power to keep tabs or try to put a cap on the subject. The other side of this equation is what this negative focus is doing to you in return. This energy has taken you from being joyful authentically from that period and has caused you to lose precious time you could use to get things done. The negativity of the situation is valid, but the bigger picture is you are no longer wasting quality time on things that do not bring your growth and joy.

5. Give yourself grace and a grace period.

Anyone who grows from a situation has the power to learn from it before it gets out of hand. It doesn’t have to turn into an argument or evil doings. You don’t have to start a smear campaign or make anonymous reports. Remember any act you think or do adds time to your mind and soul. It will only multiply in affecting you. The best thing to do is to give yourself grace and a grace period. You will still have moments when things pester or anger you. How you treat yourself at that moment makes all of the difference. 

You might want to change, but a whispering voice tells you to do the opposite and stand firm. These are your patterns inwardly that are overreacting because they are used to you reacting in a certain way. When you miss the mark or miss the opportunity to try something new, be kind and forgiving to yourself. It has been a long time thinking and reacting in this manner. And now we have new personal growth and joyful goals, so nothing without our approval can no longer take it away.