What do you do if your career setbacks are affecting your growth mindset?

1 Acknowledge your emotions

The first step to recover from a career setback is to acknowledge and process your emotions. You may feel angry, frustrated, sad, or ashamed, and that's normal. However, don't let these emotions consume you or make you blame yourself or others. Instead, try to express them in healthy ways, such as talking to someone you trust, writing in a journal, or engaging in physical activity. By acknowledging your emotions, you can release them and move on.

2 Reframe your setback

The second step to recover from a career setback is to reframe it as a learning opportunity. Instead of focusing on what you lost or failed, focus on what you gained or learned. Ask yourself what skills, knowledge, or insights you acquired from the experience. How can you use them to improve your performance or achieve your goals? How can you avoid making the same mistakes or facing the same challenges in the future? By reframing your setback, you can change your perspective and see the positive aspects of it.

3 Seek feedback and support

The third step to recover from a career setback is to seek feedback and support from others. You may feel isolated or embarrassed, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to your colleagues, mentors, friends, or family, and ask for their honest opinions and advice. Listen to their feedback and learn from their experiences. They may offer you valuable insights, suggestions, or resources that can help you overcome your setback. By seeking feedback and support, you can gain new perspectives and strengthen your relationships.

4 Set realistic and specific goals

The fourth step to recover from a career setback is to set realistic and specific goals for yourself. You may feel discouraged or overwhelmed, but you can regain your confidence and motivation by setting clear and attainable goals. Think about what you want to achieve and why. Break down your goals into smaller and measurable steps. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements. By setting realistic and specific goals, you can focus on your actions and outcomes and see your improvement.

5 Learn new skills or knowledge

The fifth step to recover from a career setback is to learn new skills or knowledge that can enhance your abilities and potential. You may feel stuck or outdated, but you can always update your skills or knowledge and stay relevant and competitive. Identify the gaps or areas that you need to improve or develop. Find the resources or opportunities that can help you learn or practice them. For example, you can take online courses, read books or articles, watch videos or podcasts, or join workshops or webinars. By learning new skills or knowledge, you can expand your horizons and increase your value.

6 Embrace challenges and feedback

The sixth step to recover from a career setback is to embrace challenges and feedback as part of your growth process. You may feel anxious or defensive, but you can overcome your fears and doubts by facing them and learning from them. Seek out new challenges and feedback that can stretch your abilities and potential. For example, you can volunteer for a new project, ask for more responsibilities, or request a performance review. By embracing challenges and feedback, you can demonstrate your growth mindset and resilience.