We’ve all had those weeks - the kind where everything seems to go wrong at once.
Last week, I had one of them. I had 5 different setbacks in a row, and honestly? It was rough.
When life doesn’t go according to plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or like maybe you’re just not cut out for whatever you're trying to do.
But here’s something that helps me every time:
A setback isn’t proof that you're failing - it’s feedback.
What Does That Mean?
When something doesn’t work out, it’s not necessarily because you’re doing everything wrong.
It might just mean something needs to be adjusted.
Setbacks are little signals. They show you:
What’s working well
What’s not working
And what might need to change
This way of thinking helped me a lot when I first started my business.
Things didn’t go smoothly.
I made mistakes, hit roadblocks, and had more than a few moments where I wanted to quit.
But looking back, every challenge taught me something that made me better.
How to Reframe a Setback
Here are a few tips:
- Pause before reacting. Take a breath. Get some space from the problem so you can think clearly.
- Ask: What is this teaching me? Even if it’s frustrating, try to find one lesson or insight.
- Make a small adjustment. You don’t have to change everything. Tiny changes often lead to big improvements.
- Remind yourself: This happens to everyone. Setbacks are a normal part of success, not a sign to give up.
A Tool That Helps Me Stay Grounded
One small thing that helps me when I’m stressed or overwhelmed is my fidget ring.
It gives my hands something to do when my mind is spiraling, and it helps me refocus when I’m stuck in negative thoughts.
When I start to feel anxious about a mistake or setback, I’ll take a deep breath and spin my ring - it’s a small but powerful reminder to slow down and keep going.
If you’re going through a tough moment, just know: you’re not alone.
You’re learning. You’re growing. You’ve got this.
❤️
Bianca