How to best deal with setbacks

Are you a failure because you experience setbacks?

Of course not dear! Just because you didn’t do what you wanted to do, doesn’t mean you are a failure.
We all have setbacks. They are normal. Important is on how do we move on from them?

The power of compounding

Compounding is a financial phenomenon that makes time work in your favor. It might look like it’s going up and down frequently, but we often only see the small picture. If we zoom out, your small efforts will start adding up. A day, a week or a month where you don’t live up to your standards are not going to hurt your progress, giving up for good will. Most people overestimate what they can do in 1 year and underestimate what they can achieve in 5 years.

Every small step counts

Every healthy meal, nurtures your body more than an unhealthy one. Every day on the yoga mat will give your body and mind nurishing impulses. These efforts are not lost when you skip a day or two. Keep in mind that they all count and the effort, the small it might be, you will do for your next meal or your next morning on your yoga mat will count too.

Take each day at a time

Today I will not drink alcohol vs. I will never drink again. Which sounds more challenging or unrealistic to you? Break down long term goals in small steps. Why not take each day at a time?

Respect your cycle

Especially for women there are times in our cycle where we have more energy and days where we want to hide. Respect your nature and work with it not against it. Do slower yoga practices or Yoga Nidra the week before your menstruation and during, and then pick up the pace again when you move towards ovulation. You don’t feel like anything on the heavy flow day? Then don’t do anything. Allow yourself your down time and embrace it fully. Now is not the time to set a new daily steps record or do a 2 hour Ashtanga practice.

Adapt your practice

Besides flowing with your cycle, we might face other challenges that may appear like setbacks like an injury or the flue. Adapt your practice. Think outside the box. What can you do not only to support your healing progress but also to stay with your practice. Ask your yoga teacher for help, if you cannot think about any alternatives to your regular practice.

Tips to avoid setbacks

  • Set realistic goals, respect your cycle and workload
  • Plan ahead. Keep time in your calendar for your practice or pre-cook your healthy meals
  • Get support. Find a support group to stay motivated or a private yoga teacher
  • Front load your day. Our willpower and decision making skills diminish throughout the day. Get stuff that is important to you done early in the day

Any tips that help you step up from a setback? Share in the comments:

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