10 Ways to Overcome Setbacks

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​This month I have suffered from rejection….. a lot of it actually. As a recruiter, it’s a feeling we probably experience more than we care to, but is expected in our line of work. In our field, setbacks can take many forms and include working tirelessly with a candidate only to have them be second best in the eyes of the client, to offering a candidate a role and the offer is declined.

It’s inevitable that throughout our careers we will all most certainly come face to face with a number of knock backs. These may include a failed project at work, taking a risk that didn’t pay off, being overlooked for a promotion or missing out on that dream job. These can do real damage to our confidence and can occur irrespective of how switched on or experienced we may be.

No one enjoys the feeling of being rejected, whether the reason is work related or not. Of course, some setbacks can be more difficult to cope with than others, but it is a typical part of life and something we can all learn to deal with in a positive and healthy way.

So, here’s my take on how to handle all those times when you feel like you fell short:

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Causes of Setbacks in Life

You will face all sorts of setbacks in your journey. You could face a professional setback where you lose your job or find out that one of your projects has gone poorly. Maybe it was a relationship that ended in heartbreak or a financial setback that made it hard to pay the bills.

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10 Tips to Deal With Setbacks in your Personal or Professional Life

All I'm going to say is that even setbacks are opportunities and all you have to do is learn to see them as such. Here are 10 ways to overcome a setback in life.

1. Let yourself feel sad/hurt/angry for a period of time. You’re only human - but perspective is important here. There is no value in holding on to negative emotions for too long as these will stop you enjoying life!

2. Take an objective view to help you determine what you learnt from the experience. What would you do differently next time?

3. Remember that hearing ‘no’ can help you grow a thick skin.

4. Persistence is important, however at some point if you are searching for a new role, you will need to decide whether you want to keep pursuing this job or goal? Or could you direct your energies towards something more achievable or better suited to you? 

5. Reward the effort - not the result. Celebrate what you know to be your success, even if you didn’t get the result you wanted.

6. Indulge in something that makes you feel good! Don’t feel guilty for downing that chocolate brownie and vino!

7. Talk to a trusted friend or colleague.

No one has ever said it better than Dr Seuss in ‘Oh! The Places You Will Go!’

‘Oh the places you’ll go!

You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sites!

You’ll join the high fliers!

Who soar at high heights.

Except when you don’t.

Because sometimes you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so,

but sadly, it’s true

that bang-ups and hang-ups

can happen to you.

Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying.

You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip flapping, once more you’ll ride high!

Ready for anything under the sky.

-      Dr Seuss

Reflecting off the back of a tough month, I’m pleased to say that this one is much better. After all, rejection is a temporary thing and life is a roller coaster.

Vanessa is a Division Lead at Parity Consulting, mother, wife, bike rider, avid reader and volunteer at Gift of Bread – she loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book and typically only travels to destinations where she knows the sun is shining! With over 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry across roles within Learning & Development, Marketing, Operations and Strategic Account Management – Vanessa has first-hand, valuable knowledge and experience of the financial services industry. For anyone looking to make their next move in these areas across financial services, please contact Vanessa for a confidential discussion on +61 410 001 819.