Setbacks, failures, and disappointments are inevitable in life. The greater the setback, the greater our tendency to give up or move in a different direction. Determination and commitment are tested by failure and disappointment. The stronger the commitment, the more likely we are to return to the place we failed and try again. Failure and disappointment cause students to change their area of study, even if their passion was in the area they failed. Failure and disappointment also cause us to give up on relationships, businesses, great ideas, and our hopes and dreams.
Setbacks, failures, and disappointments are powerful game changers. Depending on how we deal with them, they will either push us forward, hold us back, or paralyze us. If our mission, vision, and goals are established, and we are determined to succeed, disappointments, setbacks, and failures, will become fuel for our success and not our kryptonite (Superman’s nemesis). Spinach worked for Popeye, anger awakened the Hulk, and Jesus used prayer. What works for you? When we find out what brings out the superhero in us, and activate it in every struggle, we no longer view ourselves through our limitations but through our possibilities.
When we discipline ourselves in the areas of our strengths, we build up a resistance to discouragement and develop the resilience to return to the drawing board, the battlefield, and to every place that threatens to hinder our success. When we are disciplined to succeed in this way, we will bounce back from every setback, and every comeback will put us back on track for success.