Tips for Overcoming Adversity

I've recently suffered a major career setback. Since I teach about high performance and career growth, I want to share how I am addressing it. One day you will need this recipe yourself! My goal in my current "career" is to reach as many people as I can, and to help them achieve career success and satisfaction. For the last three years, the way to do this has been through LinkedIn. Unfortunately, LinkedIn recently made some unknown changes to their algorithm. Other Top Voices and I have noticed a drop of 70% to 80% in the reach of our posts. Since my goal is to share my knowledge with more people, that means my goal just took an 80% hit. In general, setbacks in performance are either due to: A) Something we did Or B) Something external, outside our direct control Mistakes, poor decisions, and missed deadlines are examples of A. They are in our control. Things like Covid, high interest rates, and reorganizations at work are examples of B, outside our control. LinkedIn's change is also case B, outside my control. When a setback comes from something in your control, you know clearly what you did wrong and what you need to change to restore your performance and progress. Fixing your own issues may take time and be difficult, but you know what to do. When the setback is due to something outside your control, you do not know how to fix the issue. So, how can we react when our performance is shattered and we do not know why? Here is my recipe: 1. Allow yourself a fixed amount of time to grieve (and complain if you wish). Emotions are real, and before you can move on you will need to sit with those emotions. But, do not get stuck in them. Curse your bad luck, pout for a minute, etc. Then, move to the next step. 2. Refocus on your core value. Whatever happened, go back to how you define high performance to ensure it is still relevant. I admit, I slipped into defining my own performance by how many people viewed my LinkedIn posts. This was a mistake. My mission is to help others, so getting views is a proxy, not a result. And, using LinkedIn is just a method for the mission, not the mission itself. 3. Adapt your core value if you must (if its value has decreased). In my case, the value of what I offer hasn't changed, the external delivery system has. 4. Once you adapt and/or increase your value, find new ways to deliver it if necessary. Luckily, I have other options for reaching people: my Substack newsletter, YouTube, etc. Since Substack has been such a good partner recently, I will start there. I have also refocused how I write on LinkedIn to make every post focused on my goal. 5. Test, measure, adapt, repeat! Really, this step is everything. Once you get past the grief, jump into action in this loop. Nothing can stop you if you keep working to refine, deliver, and showcase your core value. Comments? Here's my newsletter, which is my next area of investment: https://lnkd.in/gXh2pdK2

In the early stages of my sales career, I grappled with self-doubt and hesitancy, a phase where securing successful deals seemed elusive. A young salesman in a complex market, I sometimes felt like I was chasing my own tail - the closure of deals felt far and sparse. It was a test of my resolve, a chapter where every phone call echoed with the looming shadow of rejection. Yet, amidst the struggle, I stumbled upon a realization that became my guiding light. I comprehended that rejection wasn't a sign of failure but a facet of the intricate sales mosaic. It dawned on me that it was not a reflection of my incapabilities, but rather a signal that the prospect and I were not aligned at that moment. This shift in perception became my catalyst for transformation. I embraced rejection, no longer allowing it to be my adversary but turning it into a beacon guiding me towards the right opportunities. I fostered a belief system where every 'no' nudged me a step closer to a rewarding 'yes,' and every stumble was a lesson paving the way to triumph. With renewed vigor and a spirit buoyed by positive affirmations, I managed to turn the tide. In a span of a mere month, I clinched 25 deals, a testament to the power of resilience and a positive mindset. It was a period of personal metamorphosis, where I transcended my perceived limitations and soared to new heights. As someone who has navigated through these challenges, I would love to share a few kernels of wisdom to aid those embarking on this journey: 1. Embrace Rejection: View rejection not as a deterrent but as a natural element in the sales expedition. The courage to persevere through it increases your chances of eventual success. 2. Harbor a Positive Outlook: In the face of adversity, nurture a positive mindset. Remind yourself that each rejection propels you closer to a fruitful collaboration, and every setback serves as a stepping stone to success. 3. Unwavering Self-Belief: Foster a robust belief in your capabilities. Know that you have the potential to overcome any roadblocks that come your way. To those finding their footing in the sales landscape, I extend my heartfelt encouragement. Break free from your self-imposed limitations and stride forward with determination and tenacity. Remember, the journey to success begins with the belief that you can achieve it. #sales #success #limitations #mindset #positiveattitude #fintech

I was laid off. And it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Despite consistently going above and beyond, my contributions were undervalued. It became clear that I wasn't a good fit for the company culture, and I found myself increasingly unfulfilled. Meanwhile, I had been nurturing a side hustle. I often wondered when the right time would be to take the leap and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams full-time. Being laid off taught me some lessons: 1. I was holding myself back, waiting for the perfect moment that would never arrive. 2. The layoff was the push I needed to turn my side hustle into my main focus. 3. I can't control the actions of others, but I can control what I do next. 4. Blaming external circumstances for our unhappiness only keeps us stuck. 5. True fulfillment comes from taking accountability for our happiness. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take: 1. Reframe setbacks as opportunities. Ask yourself, "What opportunities can come from this?" 2. Identify your passions and skills. What energizes you, and how can you use your talents to create value? 3. Take action, even if it's imperfect. Start small and focus on consistent progress over perfection. 4. Find your tribe. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and encourage your growth. 5. Embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and expand your capabilities. If you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your career, know that you have the power to create change. Your setbacks can become your greatest springboards. What's one small action you can take today to move toward work that energizes you? 

The job market is brutal. Trust me I know. You recently embarked on a promising job search journey. Your qualifications aligned well, and initial discussions hinted at a bright future.   After engaging deeply with key decision-makers and even meeting with executive leadership, you felt confident. However, the journey took an unexpected turn. Despite positive signals, you were informed another candidate had been chosen. This news, after weeks or months of hopeful conversations and planning, was a heavy blow. — Rejection is tough—especially when you've invested so much time and emotional energy. But this is not the end! Here’s how you can bounce back stronger: → Seek Feedback: Use each rejection as a learning opportunity. Understanding areas for improvement is invaluable. → Network: Every interaction can expand your professional circle. Stay open to making new connections; they might lead to unexpected opportunities. → Reflect: Assess what you really want from your career. Align your job search with your true aspirations. → Stay Positive: Keep a positive outlook. The right opportunity will come, and your resilience will prepare you to seize it. → Create Your Own Opportunities: Sometimes, the right role doesn't exist yet. I found success by shaping my own path as a Fractional CMO. This allowed me to leverage my skills across various projects and industries, effectively creating opportunities where none seemed apparent. Rejection is not just a setback—it's a setup for future success. It teaches resilience, refines our strategies, and renews our commitment to our career goals. To those facing similar challenges: You’re not alone.  Keep striving; the right fit is out there. You. Got. This.

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"

We've all been there - those challenging moments that make us question our goals, our dreams, and our ability to succeed. 🤔 But it's precisely during these tough times that our true strength and determination are put to the test. I want to share some insights on how I've managed to push through difficulties and achieve success. 1️⃣ Embrace the Growth Mindset: Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I choose to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Adopting a growth mindset has allowed me to see challenges as steppingstones toward improvement, ultimately leading me closer to my goals. 2️⃣ Break It Down: When facing a colossal task, it's easy to get overwhelmed. I combat this by breaking the challenge into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes it easier to track progress and celebrate victories along the way. 3️⃣ Seek Support: No one can do it all alone, and I've learned the importance of seeking support during difficult times. Whether it's a mentor, a friend, or a professional network, having a support system can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and motivation. 4️⃣ Stay Flexible, Not Fixed: While having a clear vision is essential, it's equally vital to remain flexible in our approach. Life is unpredictable, and being open to adjusting our strategies can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. 5️⃣ Maintain a Positive Mindset: Positivity is a powerful force. During tough times, I try to focus on gratitude and the progress I've made so far. Shifting my mindset from dwelling on the negatives to appreciating the positives gives me the resilience to keep going. 6️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins: It's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. These mini-celebrations act as fuel, propelling me forward and boosting my confidence. 7️⃣ Learn from Setbacks: Setbacks are inevitable, but they don't define us. Instead of dwelling on them, I take a step back, analyze what went wrong, and identify the valuable lessons they offer. This enables me to come back even stronger. 8️⃣ Remember Your "Why": Our underlying motivation can serve as a powerful anchor during challenging times. Revisiting our purpose and the reasons why we started this journey reignites our passion and reinforces our commitment to succeed. Remember, success is not a linear path. It's about embracing the ups and downs, persevering through challenges, and staying true to our aspirations. Let's continue supporting each other on this incredible journey of growth and achievement! 👉Which of these 8 resonates with you? ➡️How do you push through during difficult times to achieve success? #SuccessMindset #Perseverance #bestadvice #whatinspiresme #GrowthAndLearning #Challenges #Motivation #bestsweekever

We all encounter setbacks and disappointments in our lives, whether in our personal or professional journeys. It's our response to these moments that shapes our character and influences our path to success. I recently faced one of these setbacks. At the last moment, I got sick, and was unable to attend my company's onsite meetup in Chicago. While my situation in *no way* compares to the challenges many have faced in recent years, it was a significant disappointment for me. Despite this, I'd like to share some strategies that have aided me in overcoming these moments, and which I did my best to practice in real time this week! 1️⃣ Acceptance: Acknowledge the disappointment and allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with it. It's okay to be upset or frustrated. It's completely normal- and trying to push past it and force yourself into a positive mindset can have rebound effects. 2️⃣ Growth Mindset: See setbacks as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can learn from the experience. Every setback can be a valuable lesson. 3️⃣ Resilience: Remember that setbacks are a *part* of life, not the end of it. Develop resilience by staying committed to your goals and working your back back towards a positive attitude. 4️⃣ Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, mentors, or colleagues for support and advice. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can provide clarity and new solutions. I have to give a huge shoutout to my GrowthLoop colleagues here- they could not have been more supportive! 5️⃣ Reevaluate Goals: Use setbacks as a chance to reassess your goals and priorities. Are you still on the right path, or is it time to pivot? Set new goals and create a plan to achieve them. 6️⃣ Perseverance: Keep moving forward, even when it feels difficult. Remember that success often comes after overcoming obstacles. Your determination can lead to great achievements. 7️⃣ Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Self-care is essential during challenging times. Exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones can help. Remember, setbacks are not the end of your journey; they are merely detours- and so much of what feels huge *now* ends up as a blip on our radar in the long run. 💪 #Resilience #GrowthMindset #SuccessMindset

In our professional journeys, failure and rejection are inevitable companions. But here's the empowering truth: how we respond to rejection can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. As I maneuver a slowdown in my business, I am learning to navigate the emotions mindfully, with resilience and a growth mindset. I remind myself that, "this too shall pass," that setbacks are not permanent labels but temporary moments in our journey and just like seasons come and go, business realities change too. Here are some self-compassion practices that have been helpful for me: 1. Pausing to breathe: Taking time to pause, step back and take a deep a breath is helping me bring spaciousness between experiencing the emotion and choosing (how) to respond. 2. Treating myself with kindness: I am making every effort to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding I would extend to a friend in a similar predicament. Not only am I acknowledging all emotions without judgment, I am also reminding to feel and process these emotions, knowing that it's okay to experience disappointment. 3. Reframing failure as feedback: Acknowledging that this is not an end; it's a chance to gather valuable feedback. Instead of viewing it negatively, I am viewing it as an opportunity to learn, objectively analyzing what I could have done differently, and how I can improve moving forward. 4. Seeking support: I had to remind myself that I am not alone in facing these challenges. I have leaned on friends and mentors for support and reached out to my network to keep me in mind for collaboration opportunities. 5. Trusting the process: I have to admit that I am not fully there yet but I am reminding myself to trust the path I am on and that any and all experiences align with my journey. Embracing the wisdom of “this too shall pass” and acknowledging the impermanence of emotions is helping me ride the waves without getting carried away. I am curious how you embrace failure and rejection? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #embracingfailure #resilience #growthmindset #selfcompassion #thinkaloud