setbacks - and how to use them as a catapult

I want you to remember a time that everything felt right where it needed to be. Think about that job you worked so hard for on the application and resume and waited for what felt like a lifetime for a call to set up an interview and then ended up landing the position that same day. Or another time where you got ahead of your bills or finally took care of that debt you've been desperately needing to pay off.. how did those moments feel?

Some might say rejuvenating, freeing, or peaceful. Now, think of the opposite, like when that job turned out to be not what you were expecting and felt like that typical 9-5 was just you spinning your wheels, and maybe that your tire blew out and now you have to put that payment on the credit card that you JUST paid off. Now describe that. Defeating? Most likely.

If that's a constant cycle that you feel like you're caught up in - you're in the right place, and I'm so glad that you're here.

It's all about perspective and the way you set your mind up towards the situation.

Let's connect for a minute, I know a friend that's getting ready for a deployment, she talks to me about how it sucks because right now the mission hasn't started yet and there's not much to do, but, like me, she's also working towards her own business and this down time has allowed her time to put more effort and energy into it and that's what I have to keep reminding her about. To stop looking at the situation like, "Wow, this sucks, can't wait for it to be over." and to be more intentional and appreciate that down time and put it towards something else that may benefit her.

Learn from the setback that you're going through - everyone says that everything happens for a reason, find out what the deeper meaning is and grow from it. For example, have money set aside in an emergency fund next time before you have to put that new tire on the credit card. Or, do more research on the job and job shadow them to understand the roles before applying for it.

Remain persistent, this is one I personally struggle with. Just because there's some adversity or a bump in the road, doesn't mean that you should just give up. Keep your eyes on the prize and continue to push forward, it's a bump - not a dead end.

If everything went just as to plan, imagine, seriously imagine how boring your life would become. The setbacks and the negative dips in the days and months are what helps life feel like a rollercoaster, sometimes it's too much and you get sick to your stomach, other times it gives you that rush and makes you laugh. If it's too much, refine your approach, find a different ride.

Whatever the situation is, there is a solution, maybe not one that you agree with now, but one that you may thank for happening later. Keep trugging through the mud and you'll appreciate the pavement so much more when you get there.