Proof that setbacks shouldn’t break us

Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” And this attitude is the one that’s going to get you to your goals.

We all face setbacks (yes, all of us - name me one person who hasn’t!), but what sets individuals apart is their response. And confidence is the cornerstone of that, keeping us resilient and allowing us to face challenges head-on.

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True, confidence comes with experience and positive outcomes, but it can also be grown with mindset and practice, creating a wonderful virtuous cycle: more confidence -> greater ability to endure -> more success -> more confidence.

But how do we develop a confident mindset and maintain confidence? Here are some practical ways:

Practise self-compassion and be gentle with yourself in the face of setbacks. Keep in mind that failure does not define your worth.

Set realistic goals by breaking your larger aspirations into manageable, achievable steps. Each small victory is a confidence booster!

Your support network is crucial. Their encouragement can provide a much-needed boost during tough times. If not family or friends, find like-minded people or mentors through groups, whether online or in-person.

Analyse your failures through a scientific lens - there will be valuable learnings to take away and to improve on.

Have a go at visualisation - seeing yourself overcoming challenges and reaching your goals can reinforce your confidence.

Don’t know where to start? Follow the Offer Bank’s blog here on on LinkedIn for step-by-step guides on these and many more tips and techniques.