Life is unpredictable, filled with challenges that can test our resolve. Sometimes, these obstacles come out of nowhere, leaving us scrambling for a way forward. But it’s not the challenges themselves that define us—it’s how we respond to them. Over time, I’ve come to realize that resilience, coupled with a focus on the “next move,” is the key to overcoming setbacks and turning them into opportunities for growth.
Resilience Is Built Over Time
Resilience isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a skill we develop through experience. Early in my career, there were moments when the path ahead felt unclear. The beginning stages of building a business were challenging—filled with long hours, tough decisions, and occasional self-doubt. But it was in these moments that I learned the importance of staying the course, even when progress felt slow.
Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring the difficulty of a situation. It means acknowledging the challenge while choosing to push forward. Each obstacle I’ve faced has strengthened my ability to persevere and adapt, which has been invaluable both professionally and personally.
Focus on What You Can Control
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to focus on what I can control. In my line of work as a financial planner, this principle is essential. Life presents us with three types of events: things we can control, things we can influence but not fully control, and things that are entirely out of our control. The key to resilience is prioritizing the first two categories and letting go of the third.
This approach has guided me through difficult moments. When faced with setbacks, I try to identify the actions within my control. Whether it’s refining a strategy, seeking advice, or simply taking the next step forward, focusing on what’s actionable brings clarity and momentum.
Adopting the “Next Move” Mentality
A phrase I often rely on is, “What’s the next move?” It’s a simple yet powerful question that keeps me grounded. Dwelling on the past—on what went wrong or what could have been done differently—can be paralyzing. Instead, I focus on the next opportunity to improve the situation.
This mindset has been particularly valuable in my professional journey. Starting out in financial planning wasn’t easy. Building trust with clients takes time, and there were moments when progress felt slow. But rather than letting doubt take over, I concentrated on incremental steps: improving my skills, strengthening relationships, and finding new ways to add value.
Just like in sports—where you can’t afford to linger on a bad shot or a lost point—the key is to reset, refocus, and keep moving forward.
The Role of Patience and Empathy
Resilience also requires patience, both with ourselves and others. Growth often takes longer than we expect, and it’s important to stay committed even when results aren’t immediate.
Empathy plays a big role in this process. In my work, I often meet people who are navigating uncertain times. Listening to their stories and understanding their concerns allows me to guide them toward solutions that feel achievable and meaningful. Similarly, extending empathy to ourselves during tough times can make it easier to stay positive and motivated.
Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities
Every setback has the potential to be a turning point. While it’s easy to view obstacles as roadblocks, they can also be opportunities to reevaluate, pivot, and grow. For example, early in my career, I faced a professional certification exam that I didn’t pass on my first attempt. At the time, it felt like a significant setback.
Looking back, that experience taught me invaluable lessons about preparation, focus, and perseverance. It pushed me to refine my approach and ultimately made me a stronger professional. Setbacks can serve as moments of reflection, giving us the chance to identify what needs to change and how to move forward more effectively.
Resilience in Everyday Life
Resilience isn’t reserved for major life events—it’s something we practice every day. From managing workplace challenges to navigating personal relationships, resilience helps us respond to life’s small, everyday hurdles with grace and determination.
For instance, when a client faces unexpected financial difficulties, my job is to help them see the bigger picture and craft a plan to move forward. This process mirrors how I approach my own challenges: staying calm, assessing the situation, and identifying actionable steps.
Small Steps Lead to Big Change
Building resilience is a gradual process, and it starts with small, intentional actions. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is a foundational step. I’ve found that regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and staying connected with supportive people can make a huge difference in maintaining a resilient mindset.
Beyond self-care, investing in personal growth is equally important. Staying curious, learning new skills, and seeking out fresh perspectives not only make us more adaptable but also equip us to tackle challenges with creativity and confidence.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Ultimately, resilience is about forward motion. It’s about recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of life and choosing to respond with determination and focus. Every challenge brings an opportunity to grow, adapt, and become a better version of ourselves.
By adopting a “next move” mentality, focusing on what you can control, and practicing patience and empathy, we can transform setbacks into setups for success. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with purpose, using every twist and turn as a chance to create something better.