Tips from Bupa on how to bounce back from a setback
Some tips from Bupa on how to learn from your setbacks and successfully move on.
We all suffer setbacks from time to time, and for many people the last year has involved a lot of them. They might be related to your health, your fitness, your work, your relationship or any other aspect of your life. Here I give some tips about how to get back on track after things don’t go to plan.
What was out of your control?
During the past year lots of setbacks might have been caused by the effects of the pandemic. This can be difficult to deal with. It’s completely normal to have these feelings but try not to dwell too much on the things that you can’t change.
What could you have done differently?
As well as those things you couldn’t control, there might have also been things you could have done differently. Sometimes we don’t read the signals that things aren’t working until it’s too late – and that’s natural. Other times we might avoid dealing with the real reasons why we gave up on something, or that something didn’t go to plan.
To avoid being surprised by failure in the future, try to understand why things haven’t gone to plan this time round. Have you not been able to commit enough time to it? Was your goal unrealistic? Did you let other things take priority? Acknowledging these things might help you to move on more quickly, and avoid setbacks happening again in the future.
What can you do to help?
Now you’ve reflected back on the things you can’t change and the things you could have done better, which is a good way to help you move forward. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Setbacks happen to all of us and accepting failure is not a bad thing, as it takes us away from the idea of being perfect
When you suffer a setback, try the following.
- Learn how to build resilience. This can help you deal with stressful or difficult situations better. The best way to do this is to look after your physical and mental health and build your support network.
- Try talking to someone who’s been through a similar situation and you’ll quickly feel that you’re not so alone.
- Learn how to be more self-accepting.
- Set yourself new goals and create small steps to achieve them. Make sure they are achievable and reasonable.
- Can you get some feedback?
Setbacks can leave you feeling sad or low, and asking for feedback takes courage. But getting a second opinion on your situation from a friend, family member or colleague may give you a better understanding of your setback. It can also be a motivator to pick yourself up.
What’s next after a setback?
Try and avoid just focusing on your failure and what went wrong. Instead, think about what you need to do to succeed. Think about your next step and if you should you try something new instead. Make changes and move forward. It’s these types of experiences that help to shape our successes.
Bupa wants to help keep ICAS Members happy and healthy. This is why they’re pleased to offer a 10%* discount on Bupa By You private health insurance policy, which comes with benefits to help your health and wellbeing.
Call for a quote on 0808 231 2659^.
*Applies to eligible ICAS Members on quotes for new Bupa By You policies. Discounts will be reviewed on 21 January 2022 and any changes will then apply to renewals and new quotes taken out after that date. Quotes are valid for 14 days. Terms and conditions apply.
^Bupa may record or monitor calls. Lines are open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12.30pm Saturday.
ICAS introduces Bupa health insurance. Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 382985. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ
This blog is one of a series of articles from our commercial partners. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of ICAS.