Everyone goes through challenging phases at some point. Things can fall apart. Plans could fail. We may be let down by others, or, in many instances, we may be the ones letting ourselves down. Such uncertainty is just a part of life. However, the most important aspect is what we choose to do after those lapses.
This article is about something very real: how to turn setbacks into success. We bring to you just clear, honest thoughts you can use, whether you’ve lost a job, failed an exam, or feel stuck in a rut.
Everyone Has Setbacks — You’re Not Alone
First off, it’s important to know this: you’re not the only one. Everyone has faced tough times; even the people you think have it all sorted have faced tough times.
- J.K. Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers before Harry Potter took off.
- Stormzy had people doubt his talent early on, but he didn’t stop.
- Marcus Rashford has spoken about challenges growing up, and look at the work he’s doing now outside football.
The point? Setbacks are not the end. Often, they’re just the start of something better.
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Step One: Let Yourself Feel It
When things don’t go the way you’ve planned, you don’t have to act like you’re okay. If you are upset, be it. Angry? Again, it’s okay to feel frustrated. It’s fine to feel rubbish for some time.
Skipping these parts, in the end, won’t help. So, do what you have to do. Take a few days, cry, write in a notebook, go for walks, or talk to someone you trust.
Once you’ve done that, you have to pick yourself up. This is the part where the real transformation happens.
Step Two: Ask Yourself — What Happened?
Try to be honest but not harsh. Let’s say you failed an exam. Was it because you didn’t revise enough? Or were you anxious that day? Maybe your method didn’t work for you. Whatever it was, try to figure it out.
If you lost your job, was it due to the company struggling? A mistake? A clash with someone? Again, knowing the reason helps you move forward with more clarity. This isn’t about blaming yourself. It’s about learning something useful.
Step Three: What Can I Do Differently Next Time?
This is the most helpful question. This isn’t about shifting your identity; it’s about shifting your actions. Whether it’s getting extra sleep before an important event, learning to speak up sooner, or refraining from comparing yourself to someone else’s Instagram life, we all have something to change.
Also, don’t forget about the importance of making small adjustments. You would be amazed at the difference these small changes can create.
Step Four: Start Small Again
After a setback, motivation can drop. That’s normal. You may feel like giving up. But instead of trying to fix everything at once, just take one step.
One new habit. One call. One email. One better choice. Let’s say your business idea didn’t work out. Instead of shutting the whole thing down in your head, ask: What’s one part of it that did go well? Can you build on that? Small wins lead to bigger ones. You just have to keep showing up.
A Personal Note from Someone Who’s Been There
I’ll be honest—I’ve failed at things too. I’ve been rejected for jobs I thought I’d get. I’ve made wrong choices. I’ve said the wrong thing and had to live with it. Thankfully, those are the experiences that shaped me the most.
Sometimes, not getting something you desire is a blessing in disguise. It is the case many times in life, and it is completely fine. The key is not to stay stuck. Keep moving, even if it’s slow.
A Few Voices That Might Inspire You
- Alex Scott, former footballer and now presenter, has spoken openly about people doubting her place in broadcasting. She kept going anyway.
- Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, didn’t always get views on his videos, but he kept posting. Now he’s helped millions.
- Tommy Mallet, known from TOWIE, went from reality TV to building a successful footwear brand. People laughed at first. Not anymore.
None of them had a straight path. But they kept showing up.
Some Tips That Work
Here are a few small things that help when you’re trying to turn things around:
- Stick to a routine – even a loose one. Waking up at the same time helps.
- Move your body – go for a walk, stretch, or do a workout. It clears your head.
- Speak to someone – friend, family member, therapist—whoever listens.
- Stay off social media for a bit – it’s hard to get back on track when you’re watching everyone else’s highlight reel.
- Write things down – not just what went wrong, but what you want to try next.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.
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Final Thoughts
Setbacks aren’t fun, and they’re not easy, but they don’t have to stop you. They can be the thing that shapes your success. Nobody gets everything right the first time. Life has twists. Plans go off track. But your next step matters more than your last one.
Take a breath. Look at what happened. Learn what you can. Then start again—just one step at a time. That’s how success happens.