Resilient People

Here’s a simple tool to help you do just that:

The Setback Action Plan.

Ready?

1. Start by writing down what happened.
Seriously—get it all out.

The frustration, the disappointment, the “ugh why did this happen?” thoughts.

Use paper or your phone. No rules here.

For example:

→ “I missed the deadline because I underestimated the time it’d take.”

→ “I didn’t get the promotion, and now I feel stuck.”
Just let it flow.

You’re clearing space in your mind—step one in any growth mindset reset.



2. Look at what you wrote and ask:

→ “What part of this was in my control?”

→ “What part wasn’t?”

This isn’t about blame—it’s about focus.

What’s done is done.

Now we zoom in on what you can influence.

That’s your power zone.

And trust me—you’ve got more power than you think.



3. Brainstorm a few next steps.

Not big, scary steps.

Just small, doable ones.

For example:

→ Missed a deadline? “I’ll ask for an extension or a way to make up for it.”

→ Got rejected? “I’ll ask for feedback and use it to improve for next time.”

Write down 2–3 ideas.

Nothing fancy. Nothing overwhelming.

You’re not behind.

You’re just getting clear.



4. Pick one thing to start with.

The easiest one. The one that feels doable today.

Maybe it’s:

→ Sending an email asking for feedback.

→ Blocking 30 minutes to plan your next steps.

→ Outlining a to-do list for tomorrow.

A growth mindset isn’t just about thinking differently.

It’s about acting differently, too.



5. Set a timeline.

When are you doing that step?

→ Today?

→ Tomorrow?

→ By the end of the week?

Write it down. Set a reminder.

Make it real.

Because you are doing this.



6. After you take that step, pause to reflect:

→ “What worked?”

→ “What’s next?”

That’s how you build momentum.

One small win at a time.

Look at you—already moving forward.


Here’s the truth:

Setbacks happen to everyone.

But not everyone learns from them.

Not everyone rises.

You will.

You’ve got this.

And better days?

They’re already on the way.