From Setback to Comeback

Challenges, failures and complications are inevitable.  Whether it’s missing out on an opportunity, or something bigger like financial problems, illness, loss, ending relationships or other unforeseen hardships. Many people view setbacks as permanent, leading to feeling stuck in an ongoing loop of misery or hopelessness. Sometimes it can be overwhelmingly difficult to figure out how to manage.

 

Everyone copes differently –physically, cognitively, emotionally. A significant factor in not staying stuck is being able to tap into personal resilience; a reservoir of strength that you can call on in difficult times. While resilience doesn’t eliminate stress or life challenges, it reminds you that you can survive and recover. In some cases, you may emerge even stronger than before.

 

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO RESILIENCE:

  • Strong support systems – a network of caring people to rely on

  • Positive view of self – having healthy self-worth and valuing yourself

  • Ability to see that you have a certain level of control in your life

  • Identifying and communicating your needs to others

  • Emotional regulation –recognizing and responding to your emotions

  • Ability to shift energy from survival to improving

  • Understanding that you can grow and learn in the face of difficulties and obstacles

 

Resilience isn’t something that you are born with. It builds up over time. You gain new internal resources and skills for each setback you navigate. Learning and growing from past challenges helps boost your confidence in being able to handle new problems in the future.

 

ENHANCE YOUR ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK

  • Be aware of negative or distorted self-talk. Such patterns create long-lasting, unhealthy beliefs.

  • Notice your thoughts. Do not dwell on blame or ruminating over what cannot be changed 

  • Allow emotions to show up, without being all-consumed. Your emotions are not your identity.

  • Reflect on your experience and explore what you might do differently.

  • Get support from people you trust. Be open to their perspective and guidance.

  • Find balance between creating routines and stability that are comforting AND learning to be flexible or adaptable in a constantly changing world.

  • Focus on what you can control. This includes how you choose to respond to adversity.

Life is full of unanticipated struggles and setbacks. Work on viewing those events as a challenge, rather than an insurmountable situation. It’s not about putting on rose-colored glasses. It’s about trusting in and applying your abilities to get through the obstacles that life throws at you.

Heather Kassman