Setbacks seem to end efforts, but in reality they help to grow onward.
The moments of letting down happen, but it is not a defeat.
In one month, there were three setbacks, though I was sure of an outcome in my favor—on the ground that they were routine matters.
The first one was a delay in the completion of the process of getting the proceeds of the investment.
The second one was a deviation in commitment from the other side, taking advantage of the long gap in the completion of formalities.
The third one was not getting support (teamwork) for the start of integrated economic activities at the native place.
In all cases, twists are hugely interesting, so I have chosen them to derive meaning from what the present conditions elaborate.
In the waves of setbacks, one day, I come to the point of "done." The next day, it is "undone.". This cycle of done and undone is repeated week after week.
The issues are still unsettled.
To understand myself, I have graded all three events as "setbacks," not as threats.
There is no threat, as options are available to address them.
By any standard, setbacks are impediments to progress and dent trust and confidence.
Setbacks are jerks, and it takes time to regain the normal stage, depending on the power of the affected person to bear them.
It was shocking for me the whole day. Then I invoked inner qualities to accept situations.
Setbacks are stepping stones, but this theme is too hard to accept easily.
The following adages have helped me to manage the setbacks—in the past, and I am applying these tools in the present scenario too.
Tommy Hilfiger says:
"The possibilities are endless, so never be discouraged by a setback, no matter how big."
Joel Osteen says:
"Every setback is a setup for a comeback."
Nelson Mandela says:
"The brave man is not the one who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers the fear."
People are encountering setbacks in all spheres of life—personal, professional, social, or other challenging activities.
Setbacks may be in any form—failure, loss, mistake, betrayal, missteps, calamities, or something hurting deeply.
I am not taking any setback as a finality of the process but as a part of the process in the efforts to convert it into some great lesson for future reference.
While in the middle of setbacks, I rely on the steps enumerated below:
1. I am not alone in the whole mess of things.
Major negative episodes are reported from north and south, east and west.
Setbacks are not exceptions but occur clubbed with other activities.
2. Usually it is not a long-range adversity.
Many wrongs occur, providing space to rectify them. Humans are capable of managing what happens to them—desirable or undesirable.
It is an opportunity to upgrade the ability to handle unexpected situations.
3. Other options are available.
To live a reasonable life, when one road is blocked, many other roads are opened to keep things done.
No problem is without a solution.
4. I am getting real-life experiences.
There is no alternative to real-life experiences. It is a mechanism to explore one’s own uniqueness.
5. Some unknown people come forward to resolve the matter.
Some people are eager to serve the people who are in distress.
6. I come to know what my weak links are.
Shifting to new places from time to time has resulted in disconnects from the original setting and people with whom I shared my childhood and adolescence.
Change of generation means the creation of new situations. The old formula might be ineffective.
Out of sight, out of mind is applicable, as connections with people on the ground have eroded gradually.
7. New approaches are devised while handling the consequences of missteps.
It is a search of possibilities towards seeking solutions.
8. It is a trying time for me—how much I stay with my values and sacrifices.
Truth prevails—sooner or later, as past episodes demonstrate.
9. It is time to identify the causes of whatever wrongs in life have been identified.
Looking only at the tips of the iceberg can’t explain the details. See what is beneath the surface.
10. It is time to read the mindsets of people associated with episodes.
I am changing my perceptions about people to be close to reality.
11. Intentions are at the core of all dealings. I am fair in my intention. That is why I am not fearful. The readiness to be a loser (if it is so) has given me sufficient energy to conquer what is unclear by now.
12. Sometimes health issues are setbacks. Options like advancing medical facilities, health awareness, and higher proximity to quick recovery are the inputs for enhancing positivity on keeping physically fit.
In short:
