UXL Blog

This is Part Three of my four-part courage series. Last week’s discussion was on EVERYDAY COURAGE. 

It will happen. Things won’t go quite the way you planned. You’ll face unexpected delays, difficult coworkers or bosses, health issues, uncooperative customers, or any number of other setbacks that could derail your forward momentum and your confidence. What do you do when the train careens off the tracks?

Develop a plan to get back on.

If you’re able to anticipate a possible setback (i.e. Customer ABC has been hinting that they’re thinking about going with a different company), plan ahead. Come up with some “worst case scenario options” and write them down.

If the setback sneaks up on you (as in most cases), practice being adaptable and resilient. One of the ways to do that is by having a Growth Mindset. When you have a growth mindset, you don’t think of obstacles as hopeless problems, but as opportunities to improve and develop a new solution. You are aware that every challenge you face only makes you stronger and more nimble.

What are some practical ways to recover from setbacks?

• Picture your future success (visualization is powerful!)
• Practice a growth mindset
• Hold a brainstorming or mind mapping session (by yourself or with your team) to come up with innovative new solutions
• Be kind to yourself (being hard on yourself will only lead to more stress and burnout)

OKAY, your turn. Jot down a few answers to these workbook questions:

1. When you face a challenge, which resources could you tap into to help? Which people?

2. What are some ways you can rebuild your confidence and enthusiasm to overcome obstacles?

3. How will you be kind to yourself if you face a failure or setback? List five ways you could treat yourself well during a challenging period.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS®DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, FOUNDER OF UXL, AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TAG TEAM. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. YOU CAN VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.YOUEXCELNOW.COM

Tags: be courageous, career coach Margaret Smith, courage at work, courage to recover from setbacks, Margaret Smith business coach, Margaret Smith professional speaker, overcoming obstacles