Learning from Setbacks

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Two of the best ways to deal with setbacks are to prepare for them, and to learn from them.

Usually, setbacks happen in response to a stressor or triggering event. If you’ve tried to change a habit before, you might have a bit of an understanding of this. This triggering event can be something that is uncomfortable or stressful in itself, such as a traffic jam on the way home, an argument with a coworker, or a long line at the grocery store. Or, they can be part of your normal routine. If your goal is to eat healthier and your routine is to get a candy bar at the gas station on the way home, going to the gas station can also be a triggering event for your old habits.

So, think about what your stressors or triggering events might be, and create a plan for dealing with them. If your triggering event is going to the gas station and getting a candy bar, you could decide that you’re going to pay at the pump, rather than go inside. Or, if you do go inside, you can plan to bring just enough money to cover the gas.

Of course, this is only an example. But, think about what your stressors and triggering events might be along your way, and plan for ways to get around (or through) them.