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Centered Leaders Use Setbacks Positively

The trouble I have with setbacks is that I usually make more of them than is necessary. I interpret the results, which distorts the facts, which increases the feelings, and then it feels like a mess.

It does not have to be that way.

Setbacks create opportunity. Maybe a situation didn't turn out the way we planned. New facts abound. Something must be done. We might need to focus more carefully on our mission and our goals.

But it's a setback, not a disaster.

Centered leaders use setbacks to pivot toward the direction of their mission.

It's not a time to agonize. It's a time to change. Positive change.

Here's something positive I'd like to share: for every setback I've experienced (and there have been plenty) within a year of that setback I feel better, stronger, happier than ever. Not at first. Not even in a week. But by keeping my goals in view and my heart moving forward and my mind positive, better things happen.

Think about one of your setbacks from long ago. Aren't you stronger now as a result?

So let's stay positive. Let's pivot. And let's keep working on those goals.

-- Doug Smith


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Comments

  1. David SpiegelJanuary 31, 2016 at 8:49 AM

    Learning to let go is one of the toughest things for me. I marvel at the quarterback who throws an interception and comes back on the field at the next opportunity and has completely moved on. Or the athlete who after a devastating loss, shows up the next day to compete again....fascinating!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Doug SmithFebruary 1, 2016 at 9:39 AM

    Yes, that kind of resilience and stamina is to be admired! And, isn't that so often the differentiator between success and failure? That willingness to pivot away from the distraction of the setback and back to the goal, back to the mission. I'm sure you've done it hundreds of times, David!

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