The Tree That Bends Does Not Break

 When it comes to dealing with setbacks, it's important to remember that no one approach is a cure-all. Every situation is different and every person facing a situation is different. A one size fits all approach won't work for all of the individual circumstances that occur along the road to success. Because we are all individuals, it's important to remember that each specific problem may require a specific cure. Having said that, it's still useful to review the various techniques that are available to an individual looking to deal with a setback.

First of all, remember that a positive attitude is one of the surefire ways of overcoming a setback and achieving success. This positivism is not based on sunshine and roses. Instead, it depends upon a realistic appraisal of the situation and the steps needed to cure the problem. The positive attitude derives from an individual assurance that any problem can be dealt with in a successful manner.

Next, remember that setbacks will happen. In fact, in order to be prepared, you must plan for them. When you do so, you begin to see that what was once an obstacle is actually an opportunity. 

You also need to realize that you are not alone on the road to success. Many successful people have walked the same path that you currently are walking. They have experience in dealing with the setbacks you may now be experiencing. They can also educate you about the setbacks you have yet to experience. These elders are an invaluable resource to people seeking to gain more experience. Use them when the opportunity arises.

Remember to take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise and proper nutrition sometimes can spell the difference between success and failure on the path of life. Take care to care for yourself. At the same time, also watch out for the ego. There is a fine line between self-care and narcissism. Many people misinterpret their urge for instant gratification for actual motivation.

Realistically assess what you can do well and separate those abilities from the abilities you wish you could do well. Also, know those things that you have no aptitude for whatsoever. Know the difference between all of them and never let delusion guide the decisions you make.

Finally, allow yourself the room to make mistakes. Don't blame yourself or others when mistakes do occur. Often blame is a survival mechanism which is poorly adapted to modern life.

If you adopt a position of resilience, if you bend but don't break when facing a setback, and if you're flexible enough to change but intelligent enough to know when to stay the course, you will deal with any setback and achieve your goals.