#369 Staying Positive During Setbacks

Setbacks are powerful teachers that wake us up through unexpected storms. Positivity during difficulties isn't about fake optimism but developing grit, perspective, and asking better questions when faced with challenges.

• See the signal in your setback – most derailments are disguised invitations and feedback
• Protect your mindset during turbulent times by reminding yourself this won't last
• Reframe the setback – history is full of leaders who built empires from rock bottom
• Approach challenges as if they're happening for you, not to you
• Setbacks create openings where real growth can finally breathe

If today's message resonated with you, text me. I can help you or your team through challenging times—you're not alone in this storm. Keep instigating growth in all you do.

Chapters

• 0:00 The Sailor's Lesson

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

A young sailor set out to learn the sea, confident in calm waters, but then the storm came, ripped sail's water in the hold and panic in his gut. When he finally limped into harbor he asked the old captain on the dock why didn't anyone warn me? The captain replied we did. We just knew you wouldn't listen until you had been through it. Welcome to message 369 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. Thrive and Grow. Thursday.

Speaker 1: 0:35

Staying positive during setbacks oh gosh, yep. Setbacks have a funny way of waking us up, don't they? Sometimes through storms we didn't sign up for. Here's the deal.

Speaker 1: 0:52

Positivity during setbacks isn't about fake smiles and delusional optimism. No, it's about grit, perspective and the maturity to ask better questions in the middle of the mess. First, see the signal in the setback. Most derailments are disguised invitations, feedback wrapped in frustration. What system failed? What blind spot got exposed? What muscle needs building Good questions?

Speaker 1: 1:24

Second, protect your mindset like it's your house in a hurricane. Negative thoughts sneak in when your guard's down, board up the windows with truth. Remind yourself, this won't last. I've been here before. I'm not done yet. And third, reframe the setback. History is full of leaders who built empires from rock bottom. Yours might not be an empire, but it could be the most meaningful pivot of your life. I get it. Setbacks suck. They bruise egos, wreck plans and question identities, but they only crack things open, and growth real growth needs room to breathe. Thank you for listening to the Growth Instigators Hotline. What has the past setback taught you that success never could? And what would it look like to approach your current challenge as if it's happening for you, not to you? Hey, and if today's message hit a nerve, shoot me a text. I can help you or your team. You're not alone in this storm and, as always, keep instigating growth in all you do.