The Setback Is Really The Set Up

When something causes a setback, many questions enter into the picture. We may ask ourselves

Why me?

Why now?

Can I ever catch a break?

What am I going to do about it?

How am I going to recover?

What do I need to learn about this?

How did it happen?

Why did it happen?

These are a few of the questions we ask when obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments hit us. Many times, these unpleasant circumstances seem to come out of nowhere. In reality and retrospect, we can point to previous decisions and attitudes that have had a direct correlation to where we currently find ourselves. Many things should not come as a surprise as we are a creature of habit and tendencies. Could it be bad luck? Perhaps but do we really want to place our lives in a box of luck? No, as difficult as it is to place the responsibility where it belongs, we are the primary reason for what is taking place in our lives. Yes, life happens, but the majority of the time, our actions have almost exclusively contributed.

We influence our actions by our thoughts. So many different and at times competitive thoughts vie for our attention. In this day of 24 hour news, social media, and an obsession to keep up with what is going on, it is not surprising at the level of distraction we face. These competing factors require a constant monitoring at what stays and what must go. That creates a logjam and cause us to feel the need to throw up our arms in frustration and surrender. There are some who are able to overcome this never ending stream of thought and place in the correct compartments, actions based on their own level of importance. What are they able to overcome and guide towards an avoidance of wandering and lack of direction? Many things come to mind but the two aspects I would consider today is the Clarity of the Vision and the Discipline to Execute the Plan. Now, this is not going to prevent obstacle or setbacks to enter into the scenario. However, we have a plan of direction and purpose towards overcoming and remaining focused on the objective at hand.

"It's a lack of clarity that creates chaos and frustration. Those emotions are poison to any living goal" Steve Maraboli

"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most." Abraham Lincoln.

How clear are you on what you want to accomplish? I am not talking about a To Do with everything but the kitchen sink. It is not a disjointed and long laundry list of things that really could be seen as beside the point or irrelevant. What I am talking about is the direction of your life. What is the deep rooted "Why" in terms of what you want to accomplish or the direction of where you see your life headed? This process takes longer than 5 minutes to begin your day yet you must start somewhere. Sadly, many do not have a specific vision of what they want. Sometimes there is a glimmer but it is usually wrapped around "If something would go this way, my life would be different." This is more of a reactive approach and this manner can cause us to move around in circles without any direction or discipline. We are quick to stop taking action if the desired results do not materialize in 5 minutes and move over to something else. The vision we set for ourselves is unique and has nothing to do with anything but the purpose and promise in making the most of our journey. One of my regular exercises is to reflect on what is going on around me. I like to line up my vision to how they are aligned with my thoughts and subsequent actions. Am I lined up? Does my vision continue to make sense? Am I clear on what I am trying to do? Is my career, relationships, decisions, and daily movements in support of my vision? This is necessary to ensure we are still on the most relevant path towards meeting our mark. If you are unsure of where you are headed, start by asking yourself

What do I want to do? This is a chance to draw your own landscape portrait. I love the concept of a life board because it is right in front of you.

What would my life look like by seeking this vision? Understand the end result and the impact your vision has on the quality of your life.

Where do I begin? The obvious answer is at the beginning. The most important step is the first step and it is really a matter of continuing to put one foot in front of the other and push forward.

Who can help me in my quest? I am currently reading "Born To Win" by Zig and Tom Ziglar. They speak to the importance of establishing mentors who can guide you along the way. This is a critical decision as they need to be someone who's actions are in in alignment to the results you seek for yourself. 

Expect positive results: Placing an expectation on something shifting in your favor is a game changer. The winning mentality will keep you engaged towards meeting your goals when others have already given up. You have to believe that your diligence and determination will push you over the finish line.

Expect setbacks: Please know that things are going to get in your way. This one step has caused too many people to stop and go back to their mediocre way of doing things. Understand the setback is in place to make you fully appreciate the enormity of the victory once completed. It will test your resolve and cause you to ask yourself "Can you continue?" More importantly, "Will you continue?" Only you can answer that question.

Whatever you are growing thru, know that it is temporary. Yes, it is a test to assist you in producing a testimony. The setback is as many people prior have stated, a set up towards your upcoming success. You will get thru it as you take the necessary steps to press against the tendency of stopping.

Stay Encouraged!!