Dealing with Set-backs and Disappointments – Ceramics by Jas

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Dealing with Set-backs and Disappointments

by Ceramicsby Jas
As an artist and a small business owner, there are times when things don't go quite as planned. May be you aren't growing as fast as you expected to or you are not where you thought you would be. Maybe a social media post you were excited about didn't generate the engagement you hoped for, or you applied for a prestigious exhibition and didn't make the cut. There are so many things that can bring you down on any given day-even a 'not so productive' day at the studio could be enough to cast a pall on your mood. How do you deal with such small and big set-backs and disappointments and get back in the game?
 
Having spent the last few years dealing with a number of such disappointments, I've come to realize one really important thing- how we respond to these setbacks can heavily influence our ultimate success or failure.
 
In my journey over the past four years, especially in the context of my work and my art, I've encountered my fair share of failures and setbacks. While they still impact me, I've noticed it's much less pronounced now. Sure, there are moments that bring me down and there are days of complete and utter hopelessness. But I've also learnt that it's diffcult for me to stay in that low-energy state for too long. It's taken time and effort to manage my emotions, but I'm gradually finding balance.
 
Here are some tips that help me stay on track without losing focus and I hope they help you too:
  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: In my opinion, it's okay to feel all the feels- the disappointment, the frustration, the hopelessness. Allow yourself to acknowledge and process these emotions before taking action. It's only with the lows that you really appreciate the highs. So take your time to mull over it.
  2. Maintain Perspective: Remember that setbacks are a natural part of any business journey and you are not the 'chosen one' here. Try to think of the long-term plan and remind yourself of your ultimate goals and vision for your business.
  3. Learn from the Experience: Every setback presents an opportunity for learning and growth. Take the time to reflect on what went wrong and why- did you really put in the effort that was required or was it a rushed job, did you really put yourself out there or was it a half-hearted effort- identify the limiting beliefs or any other insights that can help you improve in the future.
  4. Stay Flexible and Adapt: In the face of setbacks, be willing to adapt and adjust your plans as needed. Just because it didn't work this one time, doesn't mean your work, your idea, your art is a failure. Stay open to new ideas, approaches, and opportunities that may arise along the way.
  5. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, mentors, or fellow business owners for support and guidance during challenging times. Sharing your experiences and seeking advice from others can provide valuable perspective and encouragement. Remember this isn't the first time any one has experienced disappointment. There are others who have been through it and can help put things in perspective for you, when you can't.
  6. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the setback itself, shift your focus to finding solutions and taking steps to address the issue. Break down the problem into smaller, manageable tasks, and take action to resolve them one step at a time tp avoid the overwhelm.
  7. Celebrate Small Wins: Even in the midst of setbacks, there are often small victories and accomplishments to celebrate. To begin with, you should be proud of yourself for putting yourself out here. Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these wins, no matter how small they may seem.
Amidst it all, don't forget your "why". Keep that purpose in mind and consider how this setback fits into your broader "why". Many times, what seems like a major setback now might turn out to be just a blip in the grand scheme of things. In a few years, you might even be grateful for this rejection as it pushes you to reflect, to grow, and to become better.
 
Remember, you learn more from failure than from success.

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