Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

Hey friend,

Have you ever worked so hard on something—a project, a lesson, anything important—only to have it not completely flop but still not live up to your expectations? That was me today. I spent weeks pouring my heart into a project, checking every detail, making sure everything was as perfect as I could get it. But when it was done, it just didn’t hit the mark.

On the outside, I played it cool, but inside, I felt like I had let myself down. You know that nagging voice that says, “You should have done better”? Yeah, it moved right in and made itself at home. I’ll be honest—I let myself feel all the feelings: frustration, disappointment, even a little self-pity. I sat in it for a while, letting it stew. But here’s the thing—I can’t stay there.

That’s why I’m writing this today. Not just for you, but for me too. Writing helps me sort through the mess, and it feels a little like talking to a good friend. So let’s figure this out together. Here’s what I’m doing to move forward, and maybe it’ll help you the next time you feel stuck:

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s okay to feel disappointed. Let yourself feel it—but don’t set up camp there.
For me, I’ve had to take a moment to recognize how I’m feeling instead of shoving it aside. Now it’s time to shake it off and focus on what’s next.

Reflect Honestly

What went wrong? What could you have done differently? Or was it just something out of your control?
Writing this blog is forcing me to really think about what happened. What adjustments could I have made? What can I do differently next time? It’s uncomfortable, but it’s necessary.

Seek Feedback

Sometimes a fresh perspective changes everything. Talk to someone you trust—colleagues, friends, even your students.
Tomorrow, I’m going to talk with a few coworkers to get their take on things. I know they’ll point out things I didn’t see, and that could make all the difference.

Focus on the Positives

Even when things don’t go as planned, there’s usually something that went right.
I’ll admit, all I’ve been thinking about are the negatives. But there were some wins too. I’m making a list of those wins because I need the reminder that it wasn’t all bad. And honestly? That list will probably be longer than the “what went wrong” list.

Formulate a Plan

What’s your next step? How can you do it better next time?
Tomorrow, I’ll sit down and revise my approach. I already have a few ideas that I’m excited to try. Planning gives me a sense of control, and that’s exactly what I need right now.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. A less-than-perfect outcome doesn’t mean you are a failure.
This one’s hard, isn’t it? But I’m reminding myself: I gave it everything I had, and that counts for something. I deserve a little grace, and so do you.

Take a Break

Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away, recharge, and come back fresh.
Lucky for me, next week is a holiday week—no work! I’m planning to rest, recharge, and come back ready to tackle whatever’s next.

Here’s the truth: failure isn’t final. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and get better. Today didn’t go the way I wanted, but tomorrow? Tomorrow’s a new day, and I’m ready to give it another shot.

So tell me, what do you do when things don’t go as planned? I’d love to hear your tips—you might have the perfect advice I need right now.