Setbacks can happen at any time in life. There are so many aspects of life that you can’t control, and whether it’s losing a loved one, getting laid off, or receiving a life-changing diagnosis, it can take a lot of effort to get back on track. You might also deal with mental health issues or trauma, depending on your situation. Having a roadmap and some actionable advice can help you take small steps to live the life you want to be living. Keep reading to find out how you can get your life on track after a setback.
Embrace Assistance Programs
One of the first things you can do when you get knocked off track is to embrace government assistance programs. If you have stable work, you might not need to look into these programs at all, but they can come in very handy if you are having difficulty with your income.
When you have children or other dependents, losing your income can feel like the end of the world. Government programs such as SNAP, WIC, and TANF can help fill in the gaps when it comes to food and financial assistance. The government may also be able to provide help with your housing needs and utility bills. For example, you may qualify for free mobile service with government assistance, which can help you maintain connectivity when you need it for things like online job applications, video interviews, and remote schooling for your children.
List Short and Long-Term Goals
If you have your bases covered, you can move on to listing your short and long-term goals. This is an important step in getting your life back on track because it will help you focus on what matters most. Short-term goals are critical to this step because you need to make sure that some of your goals are achievable. Breaking bigger, more complex goals into shorter segments will help you feel empowered and confident as you tackle your plans one step at a time.
Some goals you can strive for are:
• Filling out ten job applications
• Selling unnecessary items
• Finding new housing
• Maintaining healthy boundaries
• Saving money for a new wardrobe
Rest and Analyze Opportunities
When life throws you a curveball, you should take some time to rest and analyze the opportunities around you before making any big decisions. Like so many other people, you might fall into a cycle of denial where you compartmentalize complex and difficult emotions in order to function. At times, that is a necessary part of rebuilding your life, especially if you need to take care of others. However, you will be able to be there for other people more completely if you take care of yourself first.
Reach Out to Your Network
Whenever you experience a significant setback, reaching out to your network is a must. It doesn’t matter if you have a close group of friends, a few key mentors in your life, or supportive family members. When life gets tough, you have to remember you are not alone. There are people who love you and want to see you survive, thrive and succeed.
You might not know anyone who can get you a job immediately, but even talking about your stress with a close friend or mentor can help. You never know what someone can do to help you unless you ask.
Stay Grounded in Your Emotions
One of the most difficult parts of navigating a setback is dealing with emotional turmoil, which is why it’s crucial that you stay grounded and connected to your inner world while trying to move forward. If you know you’re in denial, be honest with yourself about it. Make time every week to reflect on how you’re doing. It’s like doing accounting but with yourself and about yourself.
You have to ask the question, “How am I feeling about myself?” If you find that you have persistent negative self-talk, you should make a plan to speak to a counselor or therapist. Therapy is a tool you can use to reach for success in your life.
There is no perfect way to handle a setback in life. Like any other person, you are only human, and you are allowed to make mistakes. There is no mistake big enough that it makes you less valuable as a person. Take each day as it comes, and you’ll be back on track in no time.
