Setbacks Don’t Define You—What You Do Next Will
Sudden Medical Bills?
Unexpected Job Loss?
Relationship off the Rails?
Welcome to Life when it goes off script!
Life doesn’t play by our rules. One day, everything’s moving forward and then out of nowhere, something collides with your world like the asteroid in Armageddon—a job loss, a medical bill, a relationship unraveling. Suddenly, you’re on a completely different path, and it’s easy to feel like you’re back to square one, like you’re not enough. But here’s the truth: setbacks don’t define you. They’re just part of the story. What really matters is what you do next.
Whether it’s the bills piling up, the unexpected responsibilities that come with family, or the feeling that life’s plans keep getting derailed, the key is finding a way forward. I’ve been there. In fact, I’ve been there more than once. So, if you’re ready to turn this setback into a comeback, read on. Here are three ways to regain control, reclaim your confidence, and get back on track.
Redefine Success for This Season
Setbacks demand a new perspective. The first step to getting back on your feet is adjusting your definition of success. When life changes, so should your goals. The old benchmarks—financial freedom, career moves, major achievements—might not be the next steps right now, and that’s okay. You’re in a new season and you need new metrics. Success might look different now; maybe it’s about building stability, finding peace, or creating small wins to remind yourself that forward is still forward.
My Story: I know this from experience. I spent six years building a new church and service organization in my community. But about a year into COVID, it became clear that there was only one more year left in the business, at best. When it was finally time to close the doors, I hit a wall. I couldn’t find a job and my previous experience didn’t seem to be what employers were looking for. I had to reinvent myself, re-skill and enter a completely new industry. But through that, I realized I could build my next opportunity: Coaching. Sometimes, we just need to rethink success so we can see the doors that are open, not the ones that closed.
Action Step: Set one new metric of success that fits this season of your life. It doesn’t have to be massive. Maybe it’s sticking to a simple budget, building one new skill, or connecting with a mentor. Focusing on small, achievable wins builds confidence and momentum, even if they’re different from your original goals.
“One day, doing what you think is impossible will just be a Tuesday.”
Book the Comeback Tour—One Small Step at a Time
When you’re faced with a setback, it can feel paralyzing, like the whole mountain is in front of you, and you’re expected to climb it in one leap. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to figure it all out right now. The key is to start small, one step at a time. Those small steps build momentum, and momentum builds confidence.
My Story: When I transitioned into the tech industry, I was way outside my comfort zone. I didn’t have the resume, I didn’t have the experience and I was starting from scratch. But I made one commitment: every single day, I would connect with people. I would reach out, build my network and support others who were in similar positions. Step by step, that practice changed everything. My network grew, my confidence grew and opportunities started to open up. All it takes is one action, repeated daily, to completely change the course of your life.
Ask Yourself: What’s the next step your heart is telling you to take? What’s stopping you?
Action Step: Make a “comeback checklist” of three small, specific actions you can take this week. This could be as simple as reaching out to someone in your industry, signing up for a free course, or setting aside an hour to work on a goal. Small steps build momentum, and that momentum is key to creating a comeback.
Build Resilience by Reclaiming Your Story
When setbacks happen, it’s easy to feel like life is out of your control, like circumstances are running the show. But here’s a game-changer: resilience doesn’t come from avoiding challenges; it comes from facing them, owning them, and turning them into your story. Resilience is the muscle you build every time you get back up and keep moving forward, no matter what comes your way.
My Reflection: The last four years have been the most challenging and exhausting of my life. I’ve had to completely reinvent myself with the help of mentors, coaches, books, podcasts, YouTube videos, friends, and exactly one spouse. And after about a year of taking on things I’d once thought were impossible, I realized something that changed everything: anything I thought was impossible was just the next thing I’d do. To quote a friend of mine, Joseph King Barkley, "One day, doing what you think is impossible will just be a Tuesday."
Action Step: Resilience Journaling. Take five minutes today to write down one challenge you’ve overcome and what it taught you. Use it as a reminder that you’re capable of bouncing back. Every time you get back up, you’re adding another chapter to a story that only you can tell.
🎵 I get knocked down, but I get up again • You’re never gonna keep me down 🎵
- Chumbawumba
Play that on repeat until it’s the most true thing you hear!
💪 Setbacks don’t define you, but what you do next absolutely will. Life’s unexpected challenges aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities to grow, to rewrite your definition of success, and to reclaim your story. By redefining what success looks like now, creating a comeback plan, and building resilience, you’re shaping a future that’s truly yours.
“Setbacks don’t define you, but what you do next absolutely will.”
You’ve got this. If you’re ready to take your next steps and create a plan that feels real and powerful, let’s connect. I’d love to help you rediscover your strength, redefine your success, and write the next chapter of your story.
Life’s setbacks are only one part of your story—the next chapter is yours to write. If you’re ready to turn challenges into opportunities, reclaim your confidence, and build a plan that truly works for you, let’s connect. I’d love to help you redefine success, create a roadmap, and take the next steps to bounce back stronger than ever. Book a free 45-minute call, and let’s get started on building the future you deserve!
TLDR;
Life’s setbacks don’t define you—what you do next does. Whether it’s financial stress, career disruptions, or unexpected responsibilities, these challenges can make you feel like you’re starting from scratch. But there’s a way forward: redefine success for where you are now, create a realistic comeback plan, and build resilience by owning your story. Every small step counts, and each one brings you closer to bouncing back stronger than ever. Ready to reclaim your path? This article shows you how. I can help.
If you’re ready to redefine success, create a plan that works, and reimagine what’s possible for your life, let’s connect. Book a free 45-minute call with me, and let’s craft a roadmap that gets you moving forward with confidence. Schedule a call today to get started on building your comeback story today!