Motivation: What to do after a setback?

First of all, there is nothing called failure, but yes there can be a setback. You must have read a lot of quotes and subjective content by famous and successful people on how to overcome so-called failures.

But sometimes, those quotes and content are not enough. Those, are just one of many things needed to kick-start your journey from the setback towards success. What actually you need is a solid plan and implementation of the plan to get through flying on the D-Day.

I have listed down five of the most important items to be on the plan as per my experience in this journey. Apart from breaking these into milestones and final goal, you should include part of each of these in your daily to-do list. In this plan, you will see a myriad of things here rather than just focusing on one thing you want to achieve. It has been intentionally kept because of the need of a multidimensional approach to finally be able to click on the button of a successful breakthrough in life.

1) Take care of mental and emotional self

This is the most important and basic part of the plan. A positive mindset, rational belief system and being inspired to do something larger than ordinary life makes your mind ready for the game. Moreover, you should embrace your emotions which can help you work harder to find better solutions to your problems. Also, keep your self-esteem high enough so that you become constructive in the face of adversity.

Before starting the next steps of the plan, ask yourself how much passionate you are to get on the out of comfort path for achieving it. This is the only time to finalise your goal as we really can't afford to change tracks every now and then. It is perfectly ok if you have any apprehensions but quickly decide on the alternate goal before it's too late.

Lastly, I don't want you to think much. Become more of an executioner rather than being thoughtful for a long time as this limits and affects your time management big time. So, just keep rolling.

2) Make yourself Physically strong

This is the most fundamental trait observed in people who are successful. People who are just fit & healthy are one thing but when you see people who are physically strong, the level of Aura and confidence oozing out is at a different level. Even if your primary vocation doesn't relate to being physically fit, still it affects a lot at a different level and makes you more able in every aspect.

Be it yoga, meditation or weight-based strength workouts, make it progressive such as you keep on gaining the muscle or skill to be robust enough.

As seeing is believing, I am putting images of Michael Phelps below, just see his physicality before and after success.

3) Cultivate good habits, rather a good Lifestyle

You might already know that it takes 21 days to build/break a habit and 90 days to build a lifestyle. So, structure your plan to breaking a bad habit and building good habits in short term and a good lifestyle in long term.

These habits can be anything related to your work, health, mind or enjoyment. Make sure, it is making a positive impact in your life in the long term.

Not to mention the obvious, keep away from any kind of addictions even if it gives the level of dopamine boost you always want.

4) Practice, Practice and Practice

There is no secret sauce to know things or do things which others can't. It's all in the practice. Unless you don't practice you won't know what is right and what is wrong. Major of your time in the 24 hours of the day should go on practising & mastering the skill you want to excel.

A major thing to work on in these practices shall be to learn from the experience of previous setbacks. This will give you the points to focus on rather than always starting from scratch.

In addition to the above, you should also create and improve in your own mini-goals in these practice marathons so that you don't lose the track or become complacent enough of your hard work.

Remember this - Energy shall be just not exhausted but channelised to do something meaningful.

5) Peace and Joy

Unplug and give yourself a break often, productivity doesn't come from a worked up mind and an exhausted body. Do whatever makes you feel good, catching up with friends and family, travelling, spending time with the lesser privileged and helping them out. Do anything and everything in this time to reboot your energy levels and peace of mind. Make your joyfulness your character rather just an activity.

So, what are you waiting for? take your planner out and start carving out the super interesting part of your biography.

That's all folks! Thank you for reading. Awaiting your feedback and thoughts on this write up.