The Surprising Role of Setbacks in Your Success Story

Thought For The Week

Whether we’re building a career, nurturing a relationship, or working on self-development, we expect steady, consistent, forward momentum. But in reality, progress tends to be much messier. Setbacks and even complete changes in direction are not signs of failure though; they’re a part of the process. In fact, psychological research shows that people who view challenges and plateaus as part of the journey—rather than as indicators of failure or inadequacy—are more likely to persist, adapt, and ultimately succeed over time. And so, it’s not about avoiding obstacles, it’s about learning how to navigate them as they arise.

Exercise Tip

It’s easy to imagine that with consistent training, progress will come in neat, upward steps. But the body doesn't always respond that way. Some weeks you’ll feel strong and full of energy; others, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped backward. This isn’t failure—it’s biology. Adaptation happens in cycles, and progress often shows up after periods of plateau or even regression. The key is to shift your focus and try and see the bigger picture:  One tough week doesn’t erase months of effort. In fact, staying the course through those tougher stretches is often what separates short-term change from long-term transformation.

Try this: Start shifting the focus of your training from outcomes to actions. In other words, instead of how much did I weigh? Or, how much did I lift? Ask yourself, did I show up this week? That’s a win. Long-term change is built on showing up, no matter what.

Nutrition Tip

Life gets busy, cravings spike, and your appetite feels all over the place. This isn’t a sign you’ve lost control or you’re failing, it’s just part of being human. Bodies and needs fluctuate based on stress, hormones, sleep, activity, and emotions. The goal isn’t perfect eating every day; it’s building a way of eating that’s adaptable to real life. When we let go of the all-or-nothing mindset, we make space for consistency over time—and that’s what truly supports long-term health.

Try this: Start thinking in weeks, not days. One “bad” meal (or even a few) won’t undo your progress. Zoom out and look at patterns over the week. Aim for overall balance, not perfection.

Links & Resources

Resource: Try these cute daily habit tracker cards and log each time you show up for yourself.

Book: In The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph,  Ryan Holiday draws on Stoic philosophy to present a framework for transforming obstacles into opportunities.

Recipe: My recipe for smoked mackerel and tenderstem risotto is creamy, smoky and delicious—great if you’re craving comfort food but packed full of omega 3 fats and protein to give your body plenty of goodness, too. 

Inspirational Quote

“You are not behind. You’re just on a path that’s winding in ways you didn’t expect.”

Brianna Wiest