The 4-Step Method to Turn Setbacks into Successes

Introduction In our journey towards personal and professional growth, setbacks are inevitable. However, what if you could turn these setbacks into stepping stones for success? That's exactly what the 4-step Trigger, Drift, Shift, Lift method is designed to do.

Here's a detailed look at this transformative approach.

1. Trigger The Trigger is a defining moment - an event, a comment, or a situation - that has the potential to impact you significantly. It's that instant when you realize you're facing a setback. Recognizing this trigger is crucial as it sets the stage for your response. Example: Consider my experience with rowing. I wasn't ranked #1 in the USA for a particular workout, not even in the top 10. This was my trigger, realizing that I wasn't performing at my best.

2. Drift Drift is the space between the trigger and your reaction. Here, you have the opportunity to tell yourself an empowering story. It's a critical phase where you decide whether to spiral down into negativity or pivot towards a positive outlook. Example: After my underwhelming rowing performance, I was at this juncture. I could dwell on my ranking, or see it as a chance for improvement.

3. Shift Shift is the decision-making phase. Based on your drift, you either reframe the situation positively or succumb to defeat. This step is about changing your perspective to see the hidden opportunity in your setback. Example: I chose to shift my focus from the leaderboard to my personal health goals. I concentrated on maintaining a high heart rate and consistent strides, which was a win in its own right.

4. Lift Lift is the outcome of successfully navigating the previous steps. It's where you redefine your definition of success and turn your perceived loss into a victory. This step is about action and achieving your redefined goals. Example: By focusing on my aerobic capacity rather than my ranking, I turned a potential loss into a personal triumph.

Conclusion The Trigger, Drift, Shift, Lift method is more than just a way to handle setbacks; it's a mindset shift that can lead to personal growth and unexpected successes. Remember, it's not the setback that defines you, but how you respond to it.