What it Takes to Bounce Back: 7 Lessons Learned from Setbacks
Imagine facing a setback so severe it feels like the end of the road. From the perspective of a former collegiate football coach, multiple-sport athlete and Holistic Wellness Coach, and a former NFL offensive lineman and Inspirational Keynote Speaker, this article dives into two personal stories of resilience and growth, plus five other mindsets that can help others bounce back from setbacks, and find what it takes to keep pushing forward.
- Fighting for My Joy and Health
- Rebuilding Life with Grit and Determination
- Embrace Change for Recovery
- Seek Support for Overcoming Setbacks
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
- Practice Self-Compassion and Patience
- Find Purpose in Adversity
Fighting for My Joy and Health
Transitioning from the adrenaline of an athlete's life to the sedentary world of an office job was harder than I realized. I ignored my posture, sat in poorly designed chairs, and continued pushing my limits with extreme sports. The result? Two herniated discs in my lower back. When my doctor said, "You need surgery-and no more beach volleyball for the rest of your life," my heart shattered. Volleyball wasn't just a sport; it was my joy, my escape, my connection to life itself. The thought of losing it felt like losing a piece of who I was.
But I couldn't accept that as my reality. I decided to fight for myself, for my joy. Instead of surgery, I sought natural ways to heal. I immersed myself in learning about my body, rebuilt my strength with focused exercises, corrected my posture, and gave my body the time and care it desperately needed.
Slowly, my body responded. Today, I'm back on the beach, playing at a competitive level with a renewed gratitude for what my body can do. This experience taught me that our bodies are far more resilient than we think-they can heal when given the right environment. Never give up on your body-it's the most valuable asset you have.
Rebuilding Life with Grit and Determination
At 27, I founded a construction company with fast growth but eventually went bankrupt, losing almost two million dollars on one project in 90 days. After losing everything I owned, I ended up working as a part-time custodian to take care of my family and pay the bills, just to survive. I ended up having my rock, bottom, spoiled-milk moment when someone's maggot filled trash, rotten disgusting meat, spoiled funky milk, got all over my body, my skin, and my clothes! After that moment, I sat down on a curb with my head in my hands and I cried for 10 minutes.
After that setback moment, I made the decision that I put myself on the curb, so I was gonna have to get myself off of the curb! And from that moment, with a super strong mindset, I took full accountability/full responsibility, and I worked my butt off to get my life back on track! And in a position of living the life that I deserved to live! After that setback, I had to use attributes like grit, determination, and adaptability to get my life going in the right direction! So that setback moment, was a pivotal moment in my life without a doubt!
Embrace Change for Recovery
Embracing change and adapting is critical to recovering from an injury. The journey to healing often requires altering one's daily routine and finding new ways to stay active. Accepting that things may not go back to exactly how they were can be difficult, but it opens the door to discovering new strengths.
Adaptability not only helps in physical healing but also in building a resilient mindset. Keeping an open mind to change can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Take each small step forward with confidence and start embracing change today.
Seek Support for Overcoming Setbacks
Seeking support and connecting with others can play a vital role in overcoming injury setbacks. Building a network of family, friends, or support groups allows for shared experiences and emotional encouragement. Emotional support can significantly impact one's recovery process, making it more manageable and less lonely.
Engaging with those who understand the struggle can provide motivation and hope. Surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive environment is key to bouncing back stronger. Reach out and seek that connection to aid in your healing journey.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Focusing on progress, not perfection, is essential when bouncing back from an injury. Recovery is rarely a linear process and expecting perfection can lead to frustration. Celebrating small victories and incremental progress can boost morale and encourage continued effort.
Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the overall goal of healing. Acknowledging and appreciating progress helps maintain a positive outlook. Start focusing on what you have achieved and keep moving forward to reach your recovery goals.
Practice Self-Compassion and Patience
Practicing self-compassion and patience is important when dealing with setbacks from an injury. It is easy to become frustrated with oneself during the recovery process. However, being kind and patient allows for healing without additional stress.
Understanding that recovery takes time helps in managing expectations and reducing self-blame. Self-compassion fosters a healthier mindset and promotes emotional well-being. Begin to practice self-kindness and patience to support your journey to recovery.
Find Purpose in Adversity
Finding purpose and meaning in adversity can transform the experience of recovering from an injury. Viewing the setback as an opportunity for growth leads to personal development. Discovering new passions or revisiting forgotten interests can be a fulfilling part of the healing process.
This mindset shift can add motivation and a sense of direction during recovery. Embracing adversity as a chance for improvement can turn a challenging situation into a positive experience. Seek out ways to find purpose in your journey to healing.