Consider these steps when you must deal with setback

It has been warm and dry all winter here in the Northland, so last week’s rainy snowfall was needed. Even so, and as much as I love snow, I have to admit I would have been fine without this storm. At this point in the season, it feels like a setback to dig out the shovel again, taking care on the trek to the shed not to trample the tender green shoots poking up.

We’ll get to spring soon enough, and we’ll have the bonus of needed moisture as well. In the meantime, the suddenly icy sidewalks put me in mind of setbacks we suffer in our work lives that are more difficult. These range from relatively small things, such as not receiving a requested promotion, to larger problems such as losing a job, to nearly catastrophic events such as a serious injury or personal loss.

As harsh as these situations can be, we need to navigate them with intent if we want to make a comeback. But how to do that?

Here are six things to do if you suffer a setback, whatever it may be. While these steps will vary in duration and intensity depending on your situation, you can use them as a general guide to help in your planning.

1. Step back. If the setback is happening now, don’t act or speak in haste. Even if it means leaving the room briefly, take at least a little time to settle your thoughts if you’re feeling shocked or overwhelmed. Also, try not to sign anything in the same meeting when you receive difficult news, whatever it may be. 2. Manage the crisis. If the setback has created crisis points — such as the loss of health care because of a layoff — focus there for the short term. You need to understand your options and prioritize time-sensitive steps to keep the crisis from growing. 3. Seek counsel. Whether that’s an emotional support such as a friend or mentor, or a heavy hitter such as an employment attorney, setbacks are easier to recover from when you don’t go solo.

4. Structure your time. If the setback includes the loss of a daily schedule, re-create that element by establishing a routine. Having a regular time for getting up, eating, exercising and going to bed is one way of regaining control. It also keeps bad habits from forming that add to your woes later, such as sleeping too much or not eating properly.

5. Create “work windows.” As part of your daily structure, you need consistent time to work on difficult or time-consuming things. If you’re not employed, this could be an hour or two after breakfast and again after lunch. This is time you use for calls to the insurance company, paperwork for unemployment, conversations with your health provider, or any other personal business that could otherwise pile up or fall between the cracks.

Later, you can convert these hours to physical therapy or job search or even a home-based business as part of your comeback. (Do your best not to watch television or conduct other activities such as laundry during this time, or you’ll soon lose the concept.)

6. Make a comeback plan. Pull out your calendar and ask yourself: How long will this last? If the setback is on the small side, such as missing a promotion, the answer should be, “I’m done now, and ready for the comeback.” Then you can decide your next steps, whether that’s trying for a later promotion, switching jobs or something in between.

For larger setbacks, the recovery period could take months or even years before you’re ready to move forward. The key is to plan things to do within that time frame so you don’t slip too far backward. That could include part-time or contract work, classes to update your skills, networking to explore new careers, etc. The specifics really depend on your circumstances and goals at this point. The critical thing is to keep a foot in the world you want to return to (or enter), so later you won’t have to build the ladder before using it to climb out.

Is this all hard to do? Oh, yes. Coming back from a setback can be one of the most difficult things you ever face. But it can be made just a bit easier by laying some stepping stones to follow on your way to the next chapter. Have faith that spring will come, even if you have to keep the snow shovel ready while you wait.