053: Why Setbacks Aren't Necessarily Setups as You Age

It’s amazing how something in your life could be going downhill.

In reality it could be nothing more than a momentary setback.

Setbacks can often feel like setups as you age.

Here's what I mean by that...

I’m training for a 2025 half marathon as we speak.

It’s been a few years since I’ve run consistently.

And as age would have it - guess what…

My body is letting me know.

A recent calf muscle setback (see what I did there) has me on the edge thinking: “is this a setback...or is it a setup for things to come in my training?”

I’m choosing to see this as a setback - something I can overcome.

Thus, I’m adjusting some training routines and applying some researched insights that are, at this point, actually helping.

The issue isn’t the setbacks you experience it’s what you do next to prevent it from being a setup for more of the same

Age related setbacks are bound to happen.

But it’s vital to your growth and longevity that you not allow them to create negative scripting.

Flip-the-script instead.

• Shift your thinking about age related setbacks.
• Be resourceful and discover a way around, though, or over the setbacks you face.
• Set your expectations for recovery and improving your future outcomes.

Adjust your mindset to shift how you think about age-related setbacks

Life happens!

“Stuff” hits the fan!

Setbacks lurk within your health, your finances, your current job or career, your retirement goals, your family, your relationships…nothing is really off-limits.

Accepting that reality is the first step in your mindset shift.

Did I anticipate a gimping calf muscle pull when I began my run training?

No…but I quickly accepted the fact that I can’t begin a fitness routine (that I haven’t done in a few years) and not experience some muscle and joint pain.

But I won’t allow that setback-reality to become a setup for “Oh, my gosh…I’m done…" thoughts!

It’s a setback - and one I’m taking practical steps to deal with.

That’s the thing about training your mindset.

• Refuse to give your setbacks control. Even though some are outside of your control you still have opportunity to step back and assess the situation - good or bad - and stay in control of your response.
• Accept the setback not the imagined context. Because something happened once doesn’t mean it’s your new normal.
• Use the setback to your advantage. Deciding to push yourself strengthens your resolve to deal with future setbacks.

Get on the solution side of your setbacks through practical resourcefulness

I included the word “practical” for a reason.

Insights and ideas become solutions as you give them room to thrive in your current setback.

It’s helpful to apply this resourceful sentence to your next setback:

”There has to be a way to…”

Complete the sentence according to your current setback.

Research drives resourcefulness (this is my go-to).

Someone, somewhere, somehow has faced a same or similar setback as you.

• What did they do?
• How did it help?
• Where are they now?

Apply those resourceful questions as you research your way out of your current or next setback.

Expect to recover and improve from your setbacks

This brings us back to the previously mentioned issue of “context.”

Just because you experience a setback doesn’t mean you’re being setup for a future including more of the same.

Sure, whatever your setback is - it could be a red-flag that some adjustments must be made in your health, your lifestyle, your attitude, your finances, your relationships, etc.

Setbacks are good that way.

They become a wake-up call of sorts.

But once you’re awake, set your expectations on recovery and renewal.

• Believe the setback is an event not the end.
• Decide what part of the setback you can accept and let the rest go.
• Keep moving in the direction that gives you hope not the one that creates helplessness.

When it comes to setbacks you can passively give into them as a setup for more of the same or...you can use them as an opportunity to set yourself up for growth (not defeat)

• Adjust your mindset about your setbacks
• Get on the solution-side of your setbacks
• Expect to grow through your setbacks

And whatever you do...

Press on!!

Eddie