There are bound to be setbacks whenever you set a large goal in life. Sometimes these setbacks mean the end of a dream for people. The sad part is that the setback doesn’t have to mean the end of a project, and that with a little more resilience success would have been achieved.
When people become disappointed often people give up on their dream. It is not that their capacity, capital, or skill to keep pursuing their goal has changed. Often it is simply that they lose faith in their own ability to achieve their goal. With a little preplanning you can prevent disappointment and setbacks from derailing your dreams. Here are some things you can do to get back on track:
1. Write your goal down. When you’re working toward a large goal, it is important to be able to visually see what you are doing and remember why you are doing what you’re doing. Whether it’s for monetary reward, or a better family life; it is critical that you can easily visualize where you want to go, especially when times get tough. Having your goals and your definition of success written will help you to bounce back when times get tough.
2. A mentor can help. It is important to have a resource who has seen success in the same or similar field. Your mentor will be able to offer practical advice to help you make good decisions. He or she can also help encourage during difficult times. Your mentor has seen setbacks, too and will be there to cheer you on.
3. Have a support system. Often setbacks can be so devastating that people working toward a goal may have little else going on in their life. Maintaining balance between work and family, or even having a hobby that gets your mind off your main pursuit can be very helpful. These other pursuits give you the opportunity to recharge by thinking about something else for a while. A mental break is vital to success. This break often allows you to return to your pursuit feeling refreshed, with a new perspective and renewed energy.
No worthwhile pursuit comes easy. It is important to be prepared for setbacks as they come. If you are prepared to deal with them, these need not derail you nor permanently steal your dreams.