One Step Forward, One Step Back

“Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.” ~ Henry Ford.

Does this sound (painfully) familiar? Have you experienced the euphoria of making genuine progress, and the subsequent panic, disillusionment or frustration of things slipping back or away from you?

If so, take what comfort you can from Henry Ford’s words, roll up your sleeves, and get back in there! Whether it’s related to productivity, time/task management, spiritual growth or developing your business, you are more or less guaranteed to experience setbacks or backward steps on numerous occasions.

A Personal Tale

My most recent experience of this relates to managing my “stuff”; I’d got all inboxes to empty, felt on top of the world, and believed I had cracked it. Then life interjected with a couple of minor complications (actually it was more a case of simply having to spend time on real life issues) and BANG! everything seemed to come tumbling down, and I once more descended into a self-made hell of chaos, disorganisation and a sense of drowning in it all.

Now I know that guys like Leo B (zenhabits.net) are big on “simplifying” and, trust me, cutting back on things is a vision that I share. Soemtimes though, you simply have to slash away at your current commitments and then attempt to move on in a more streamlined and simplified fashion.

The Lessons in Setbacks

It might not feel like it at the time, however setbacks, roadblocks and diversions on your path often contain a lesson or message for you. It might be, for example, indicate a need to re-assess some system or practices. Alternatively, it might be an opportunity to take stock and reflect on progress made to date.

Ultimately there is some lesson, warning or message in these setbacks, and the value of that will be realised by simply recognising this, and taking time to figure out a solution or comeback.

Simple Strategy For Dealing With Setbacks

As a “setback veteran” (a nice way of saying that I’ve had to deal with my fair share of frustration) I feel qualified enough to offer some advice on how to “cope” with such things:

• Forget the “F” word – you haven’t failed, you just need to adjust something
• Realise that you are following in the footsteps of some great men and women – do you think Henry Ford had everything click into place each and every time, as if by magic?
• Take stock – three aspects to consider are:
  1. “How did I get here?” – what sequence of events, decisions or strategies form the background to the current situation?
  2.  ”What has been the effect of that?” – what are the issues and obstacles you now face?
  3. “How do I move forward?” – what can you change, what new direction can you try, and what practical steps can you take to chaneg things, even if only a tiny bit at a time?
• Take the action necessary to turn things around

When you eventually come out the other side, you will be wiser, more focused and even more determined than ever.

Image courtesy of: Alba Campus

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