6 Tips on Dealing with Setbacks While Chasing Dreams

Written by Simon

What was supposed to be my first triathlon last week didn’t happen because of a nasty ear infection. It sucked big time and really was a big dent is my motivation.

It’s been 10 days but and luckily I have the opportunity to comeback with a vengeance on Saturday when I’ll enter my first Oly. Feeling good, stoked and curious about the event, the experience and my performance.

I reflected on this unexpected setback (me not being able to participate in my first triathlon) and drew some lessons which I want to share with you guys.

Be mentally prepared

Know that when you are chasing a dream or a goal that the road isn’t going to be paved all the time. It’s going to get tough and bumpy. Be prepared to deal with the setback and don’t let them throw you off.

Be angry

You trained hard. You sacrificed your body, family, friends and weekends. And now the final piece of the puzzle doesn’t fit. And that’s tough. Give yourself time to feel a bit crap and be angry about the situation. Don’t expect from yourself that you can shift gears on the spot and focus on the next event / goal in a sec.

Analyze - Learn - Adjust

What went wrong. Was it you, your training, preparation, nutrition (all physical aspects) or was it your mind state, the pressure (mental aspects). Those are internal aspects. But what about the outside: weather conditions, competitors, mechanical failures? Which of these variables can you influence and which you can’t?

Analyze the situation, extract valuable info, learn your lessons and adjust your training.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
- Dalai Lama