How Do You Handle Setbacks?
This journal prompt is inspired by my interview with Lindsey Wander, founder and CEO of WorldWise Tutoring.
About ten years ago, after having been one of two music teachers on my school’s campus for nearly ten years, I was unceremoniously switched to the English department. The change was a result of campus politics and a disregard for the arts.
First, I felt devastated, as though I was being demoted. Then, I felt angry. “I’ll show them,” I thought, “I’m quitting!” I told myself I would start a new career as a health coach, even though I hadn’t the slightest notion of what a health coach does.
As a symbolic gesture of my plunging into a new career, I went bungee jumping with my friends. Jumping from the cliff was exhilarating. I felt bold and free.
But during the hike back down, I became severely dehydrated and ended up in the hospital. While lying on the hospital bed with an IV needle piercing my veins, I had a moment of clarity.
A nurse carrying a pen and clipboard asked me a series of questions as she scribbled my responses. “Do you have health insurance?”
I froze. Looking up at her, I replied, “Yes,” with tears streaming from my eyes. That question was a sign I needed to keep my job for the time being. I needed stable health insurance. I needed to become an English teacher.
And so I did. I ended up loving English so much that I earned an MA in it. Then, I got hired at a new school site, which was a great move.
What I perceived to be a setback was a springboard propelling me on a path toward new opportunities. My “demotion” was a blessing.
How do you handle setbacks? Journal about insights you’ve gleaned from hardships you’ve come through.
