You're facing constant setbacks at work. How can you cultivate resilience to overcome them?

By reframing the setback and view them as opportunities for growth and learning from failures. By breaking down the larger tasks into smaller achievable steps and also to find solutions than dwelling into problems. Supportive network can be a great help to offer right guidance to get through the situation and give constructive feedback. Being flexible can help to adapt to change to the circumstances and overcome obstacles easily it helps to plan and strategize.

A few years back, while serving as a Consular Officer at the Netherlands Embassy, I encountered a barrage of obstacles: the system was down, the queue was moving slower than molasses, and I could feel the heat of pressure from the backlogs. Everything was too much, and I began to doubt myself. A reasonable alternative had to be taken. I could either give in to the stress or figure out how to overcome it. I did the latter and directed my efforts on the aspects within my control. In the end, it was not how hard the difficulties were that mattered, but how well you dealt with them. That is what resilience means to me.

Critical thinking is about just what the name implies. Thinking critically. You have to consider the nature of the setbacks to determine how to react. It could be your setbacks are because you are not good at something. If that's the case, the best response is to admit where you need development and come up with a plan to work on it. Sometimes, you face setbacks for reasons that are out of your control. Other times, the setbacks are because you are trying to grow and do new, hard things. There are literally hundreds of quotes about failure being a stepping stone to success. Critical thinking is considering the cause of the setback and doing something about the cause to improve your chances going forward.

When facing setbacks, take a structured approach to problem-solving. Break down the issue into manageable parts, brainstorm potential solutions, and take small, incremental steps to address the problem. This methodical approach can reduce the sense of being overwhelmed and help you regain a sense of control.

Recognize and accept your feelings of frustration or disappointment instead of pushing them aside. For example, if a project fails, allow yourself to feel upset but use it as a stepping stone to learn and grow. You can also keep a "resilience journal" where you document your emotions, reflect on what you’ve learned from each setback, and outline steps to move forward. This practice not only helps you process your feelings but also builds a roadmap for overcoming challenges and strengthening your resilience.

Identify what went wrong and why. For instance, if a project deadline is missed, examine factors like planning, resources, or team dynamics. A unique approach is to use the "5 Whys" technique—ask "why" repeatedly until you reach the root cause. This helps uncover underlying issues rather than just surface problems. By understanding the real cause, you can address it directly, adjust your strategies, and build resilience for future challenges. This method turns setbacks into valuable learning opportunities.

After analyzing the setback, adjust your strategies by setting new goals, altering your approach, or acquiring additional skills. Embrace flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial for resilience. The aim is not just to return to your previous state but to surpass it, ensuring that you not only recover from difficulties but also evolve and improve in the process.

"Amor Fati": las cosas pasan por algo y debemos aceptarlas como son. "Lo que se interpone en el camino se convierte en camino".