Change is not always easy. And deciding to move forward after a setback can be even more challenging.

We’re all unique individuals ready for change at different times, so looking at your individual style and mindset is an excellent way to acknowledge ambivalence, your strengthens, and the action steps you need to take toward achieving your goal.

So what’s your motivation style?

Recognizing your current state of mind and behavior pattern, helps you figure out what needs to happen in order for you to succeed, right?

This approach to goal achievement is all fine and dandy. And it works. But what if something goes wrong along the way?

Everybody encounters setbacks. The important thing is how we deal with them.

If you want to persevere in the face of failure, you’ve got to overcome the setbacks you’ll likely encounter on your path to success.

Here Are 5 Ways to Help Your Brain Handle Setbacks

1. Be kind to yourself. 

Stuff happens. Acknowledge and accept your slip. Remember to be gentle with yourself. Think of the hindrance as a learning experience, practice some self-care, and move on to step 2 . . .

2. Take detailed notes on the setback.

Think about the experience. And answer these questions: When did it occur? Who was with you? What space were you in mentally and physically? What were the circumstances that led you to the minor failure?

3. Learn from the experience.

How will you change the situation in the future, so you are less likely to fail? Everyone fails, by the way . . . even the most successful people. That’s why they’re successful! They learned what not to do and made the appropriate changes.

4. Go back to your plan as soon as possible.

A slip-up shouldn’t derail everything you have worked toward; that’s why it’s called a slip, not a fall. Remember what you set out to do and continue to visualize yourself reaching your goal.

O.K., now how can you make your goal plan better? Once you know the answer, you’re ready to design a new strategy, develop new tactics, and create a new timeline. Ready to persevere?

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Download the free guide [PDF] below to help you clear your mind of fear in 60 seconds or less so you can get back to your plan of action as soon as possible.)

5. Make a new plan to stay self-motivated.

How will you handle things the next time an unwarranted situation presents itself? What strategies can you use to help you be successful in the future? Maintaining self-motivation is crucial when it comes to goal accomplishment.

We’d love to hear from you! 

Have you persevered despite adversity? Please share your insight and ways to persevere in the comments section below.