The Power of the Setback: How to Bounce Back Stronger Than Ever

If you’ve ever felt like life knocked you off your feet right when you were finally gaining traction, you’re not alone. I’ve walked through seasons where everything on the outside looked like it was flourishing—business growing, opportunities flowing—but on the inside? I was navigating personal setback after setback. And I realized something powerful during that time: the setback isn’t the end. It’s the setup.

In Episode 53 of the Published and Paid Podcast, I share five foundational steps that have helped me navigate my lowest moments and come back even stronger. These aren’t just mindset shifts—they’re practical, soul-grounding strategies that you can apply right now, no matter what you're going through.

First, you’ve got to acknowledge and accept what’s happening. High achievers like us tend to power through and bury the pain under work. But the truth is, ignoring it only delays your healing. Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re okay with what happened—it means you’re being honest with yourself so you can move forward.

Then, it’s time to feel your feelings. I give myself 24 to 48 hours to really sit in the discomfort. I journal. I cry. I talk to my therapist. But after that window, I make the decision to keep moving. Not because the pain magically disappears—but because I refuse to let it control my life. Emotional intelligence doesn’t mean ignoring your emotions. It means honoring them without letting them take the wheel.

From there, I talk about the importance of extracting the lesson. Every setback carries wisdom. You just have to be willing to mine it. Ask yourself: What did this teach me about myself? What can I do differently next time? If you approach setbacks like teachers instead of punishments, your entire perspective shifts.

Once you’ve processed and learned, it’s time to reset and refocus. Your goals might need adjusting. Your pace might need shifting. But clarity comes when you pair intention with action. What’s one thing you can do in the next 24 hours to move the needle? Start there.

Finally, you’ve got to rebuild your confidence. Setbacks can chip away at your self-belief, so this is your reminder: you’ve overcome before. The strength that carried you through then is still in you now. Reflect on your past wins. Surround yourself with people, books, podcasts, and mentors that breathe life back into your spirit. Confidence is a muscle. And the setback? That was part of the workout.

Here’s what I know for sure: your setback is not the final chapter. It’s a plot twist. And plot twists make the victory even sweeter.

If this resonated with you, take a moment to listen to the full episode of the Published and Paid Podcast. I promise—it will speak to the part of you that knows it’s time to rise again.

And if you’re ready to shift from stuck to strategic, I’d love for you to join me at the 7-Figure Bestseller Summit on Saturday, July 12 in Alpharetta, GA. We’re building books, brands, and legacies—and this just might be the moment that sets yours in motion.

Let’s make the comeback count.

— Jasmine