Author: Erika Solano, Partner, Sol Luxury Hospitality Training & Consulting
Setbacks are an inevitable part of the professional journey. Whether it is a missed deadline, a failed project, or a missed promotion, challenges can arise at any stage of one’s career. The key to navigating these hurdles lies in how we manage them. Positive psychology, a positive mindset, and grit are powerful tools that can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth.
We have all had setbacks one way or another, but if you have difficulties remembering one right now, I’ll give you a hint: 2020. Many of us faced unprecedented struggles, not only as professionals but as humans. The uncertainty, silent losses, fear, and isolation were pervasive. I vividly remember being in my apartment in LA, looking at my phone constantly, anxiously awaiting the phone call that would confirm I was officially unemployed. When it finally came, there was a strange sense of relief—it was better than living in constant dread and playing negative-script movies in my head, on repeat!
However, I also remember asking myself: What is the one thing you can do right now that will strengthen you?
I consider myself very fortunate to have a naturally positive mindset and a lot of grit. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, grit is the “firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.” While it might seem that only the “lucky ones” possess grit, it’s a human character strength that can be developed and improved by anyone, enabling us to manage setbacks with greater ease.
Understanding Setbacks & Strategies to Overcome
Setbacks are a natural part of the professional journey. They can range from minor inconveniences to significant obstacles that shake our confidence and disrupt our plans. It is imperative to acknowledge that setbacks do not define our abilities or potential. Instead, they are opportunities to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger.
The role of Positive Psychology, a branch of psychology focused on the study of what makes life worth living, emphasizes character strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life.
In the context of professional setbacks, positive psychology offers several strategies to help individuals cope and thrive:
1. Cultivating Optimism: Optimism is the belief that good things will happen and that setbacks are temporary and manageable. By fostering an optimistic outlook, professionals can approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Optimistic individuals are more likely to see setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. I like to say that optimism is intentional, this does not mean ignoring what is not working, however, it means focusing on what goes right and “harvesting the good”. If we want to be optimistic, we first need to have the intention to be it! Here is a little secret about me, I live my life with Mantras and here is one of my top ten: The best is always yet to come!
2. Building Grit: Grit is the perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It involves maintaining effort and interest over the years despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, who popularized the concept, emphasizes that grit is more important than talent in achieving success (Perfect timing as I write this during the Olympics 2024, so many examples there!) Developing grit involves setting long-term goals, practicing perseverance, and maintaining a passion for your work. It means showing up day after day, despite difficulties, and pushing forward.
3. Fostering a Growth Mindset: Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Embracing a growth mindset encourages professionals to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. Instead of seeing failure as a reflection of their capabilities, they see it as a step toward mastery. I consider Growth Mindset as the ability to have a “Google Maps Moment” you can zoom out to exit the tunnel vision that we normally fall into when we experience challenges. Having a Google Maps Moment allows us to see other roads and other avenues that we can explore and move forward.
4. Reframe the Situation: Reframing involves changing the way you think about a setback. Instead of viewing it as a failure, see it as a learning experience. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this situation?” or “How can I live this moment in a more empowering way?” This shift in perspective can reduce negative emotions and open new possibilities.
5. Focus on What You Can Control: Setbacks often involve elements beyond our control. Instead of dwelling on these, focus on what you can influence. Take proactive steps to address the aspects within your control and let go of the rest. This approach can reduce feelings of helplessness and empower you to take meaningful action one day at a time!
6. Celebrate All Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate all victories along the way, big, medium, and small! Recognizing your progress, no matter how minor, can boost your confidence and motivation. Celebrating achievements, even in the face of setbacks, reinforces a positive mindset and encourages continued effort.
7. Be Careful with Social Media: Do not compare your journey with anyone else’s! Social media can be a dangerous tool that could make us believe we are not on “track” or that we have “fallen behind”. Everybody’s journey is different and respectable, the professional world does not need to be a competition.
8. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends for support. Talking about your experiences and receiving feedback can provide new insights and emotional comfort. Surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive network can significantly impact your ability to cope with setbacks.
By embracing positive psychology, cultivating a positive mindset, and developing grit, you can navigate challenges with resilience and optimism. Remember, the setback does not define you, but how you respond to it does. With the right tools and strategies, every setback can become a stepping stone to greater success, learning, and fulfillment.
Recommended Reading: “Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
If you want to learn more about Positive Leadership training, please reach out to Erika Solano
About Sol:
Bring out the light. “Sol” in Spanish means “sun”. In the highly demanding Luxury Hospitality Industry, we pride ourselves on bringing out the best of organizations and teams through inspiring them to deliver personalized, thoughtful and caring service. We are passionate trainers and learners who believe deeply in the power of the people in luxury hospitality.Our purpose is to reignite the “Sol” light within them and coach them to bring it out in others.
