4 Steps to Bounce Back

Your setback is a setup for your comeback!

For a good chunk of my childhood, I was not allowed to watch TV. Seriously. I mean, my family did not own a TV set, we did not have cable for the longest time. I didn’t get to indulge in what was a normal part of daily entertainment for most people. So, it’s no surprise that I tend to get the side eye and a mixed look of humor, confusion and pity, when people discover that I am oblivious to many of the “must see” movies and TV shows that were popular in the 90’s. When comparing my lack of knowledge of TV shows and movies to other 24 year old’s, you’d probably assume that I just lived under a rock for most of my childhood. Yeah, so, it’s also no surprise that my love for Superhero movies did not develop until, well, this year actually.

Yes, I confess: I love superhero movies. By no means am I a fanatic, but I just might pick one over a romantic comedy any day. The reason I’ve taken to these movies so quickly, is the whole concept of having skills and abilities that no one else has. Being a game-changer. Having an IT factor. Something that separates you from everybody else. Let’s just say, superheros may have just become my new inspiration. And, I might add, this began before the debut of Black Panther! #WakandaForever .. Nevertheless, I have found inspiration, in the fact that Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Deadpool, Aquaman, Thor, the list goes on, may have similar or differing powers, but they share something in common… The ability to bounce back!

As cheesy as it may sound, I honestly believe that we should all operate as if we have the mindset of a superhero. We all have something unique about us that sets us apart from everybody else that goes way beyond our fingerprint. We all have an IT factor. We are all game changers. But, it’s up to us to discover what our IT factor is, to embrace it and use it to change the game. And, whenever you decide to step out on faith and change the game, to make a difference in this world, to leave and imprint and a legacy.. You will experience setbacks. That is non-negotiable. But, like a superhero, we have the ability to bounce back.

For every action, there is a reaction. For every problem, there is a solution. For every setback, there is a comeback. It’s up to you to execute!

Let’s be honest, bouncing back is easier said than done. So, here are 4 steps that you can take to bounce back.

1) Have a Pity Party! Allow yourself time to embrace/accept what has happened. Literally, set aside time to do just that. You can also use this time to reflect. Ask yourself, what can you learn from the experience? Every experience is an opportunity to learn, grow and evolve as a person.

2) Live in the moment! Stop Reflecting on the Past. You’ve already done that. Now it’s time to move forward.So, stop worrying about the future, which you can’t change. And, don’t worry about the future, because your attitude and actions NOW is what will affect your LATER. Just be in the moment. Embrace the moment. Accept it for what it is and just breathe.

3) Relax. Rest. Sleep..  Studies have show that feeling emotionally or mentally fatigued can cause perceived physical exhaustion. Sometimes it pays to be selfish, go into hibernation and just relax, recharge and revive your energy!

4) Jump off a cliff! Okay, not literally. But, Do get back out there. Do keep going and don’t look back. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin again, because there is no perfect moment. If you wait until you feel comfortable, you may end up waiting for forever. Sometimes, you have to just go for it.. jump back in and see what happens.

Take the necessary steps to bounce back. And, always remember, it is a process.