Health Advocate Blog

How to reset after setbacks

Over the last year, you may have been hit with one or several roadblocks, possibly involving your livelihood, career goals, or in other areas of your life.  Despite the nature of the setback, it’s possible to learn to manage changes, build resilience, and maintain a “never give up” attitude to find a way forward. Here are some ideas to help you get there:

Accept change. Remind yourself that life is unpredictable, change is inevitable, and the only thing you can control is your response to it. This may involve adjusting your goals or timelines.

Treat adversity as learning experiences. This can help you turn a negative experience into a positive one and become more open to new opportunities that could turn things around.

Think through problems rationally. Keep your emotions in check and quiet your mind. Overthinking can hinder your ability to overcome challenges and focus on identifying a solution, tapping into resources that could offer a detour around a roadblock.

Look at the big picture. Jotting down all your personal strengths as well as the positive things and people you are grateful for can energize you to move ahead. Realistic positivity can help you address hardships with a sensible outlook.

Develop a supportive network. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on, remind you of your true worth as an individual, and help you feel strong enough to go forward.

Be mindful of your self-talk. Getting in the habit of saying “I can” and “I will” rather than “I can’t” or “I won’t” can help you become more open to new avenues, gain confidence and increase your chances of success in overcoming obstacles.

Need help to move forward? Realizing when you need help is critical to building resilience. Talk to a licensed counselor or your doctor for a referral to a qualified professional.