I just got back from a Caribbean cruise for creatives that was one of the highlights of my life. I met some very interesting people, heard great speakers, and had a chance to share ideas and brainstorm. I also had a chance to climb a waterfall and experience a foreign marketplace.
When I got back home, I was on a creative high like no other. My mind was racing with ideas, and I couldn’t wait to get started on some new projects.
Then reality hit.
I went back to work to find problems.
I bent over to tie my shoe and threw out my back.
Unexpected expenses on a variety of things came up one after the other
I went to fill up my car and gas had gone up over 4 dollars a gallon.
A Variety of depressing and painful things.
Things we all face.
But why does the pendulum have to swing from positive to negative so far so fast?
I talked to others on the cruise and many of them came back to similar struggles or changes. I almost felt like Moses, coming down from the mountain top with the 10 commandments only to find total disarray. So many of my goals put on hold.
I felt just like putting on the brakes.
Yet, setbacks can be a time of reflection and learning.
My usual reactions to setbacks include…
1. Ignore them. I usually try this first. Unfortunately procrastination often makes things worse.
2. Delegate them. Is this really MY problem? If it is, then I have to take responsibility.
3. Denial. This really isn’t a problem. Unfortunately reality usually sets in and I have to face facts.
When I get over the initial phase, I usually come to the conclusion that I’m going to have to face these things head on. That’s when these three question come in handy…
1. Have I experienced this before? If so, how did I get through it?
2. Is there somebody that can help me with this?
3. Can I get more information about the problem.
If the problem is especially tough and answers don’t come easy, the PIP method can sometimes provide a breakthrough. It’s just three little things
1. Priority. Put aside other things and focus on this exclusively
2. Ingenuity. If you have tried common solutions, you may have to think outside the box
3. Persistence. Many times we give up too early. Keep going till you find a solution.
While setbacks can be painful, they are a part of life. Working through and learning from them is a key component to realizing our goals.
Question: How do you deal with setbacks in your life?
