What do you do if your career setback has shaken your confidence and self-esteem?

Experiencing a career setback can be a daunting challenge, capable of undermining your confidence and self-esteem. It's not just about losing a job or missing a promotion; it's the emotional toll that can weigh heavily on you. You might find yourself questioning your abilities and worth, which can spiral into a cycle of negative self-perception. Remember, setbacks are a universal part of professional life, and how you respond to them can define your future success.

1 Acknowledge Feelings

When faced with a career setback, it's essential to acknowledge the emotions that come with it. You might feel a mix of anger, sadness, or fear, which is entirely normal. Suppressing these feelings won't make them disappear; it's healthier to confront them head-on. By recognizing your emotions, you're taking the first step towards regaining your confidence. Understand that it's okay to feel upset, but don't let these emotions consume you. Instead, use them as a catalyst for positive change.

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Boluwatife David

High Performance Coach/Trainer
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Just like any other emotion, confidence and self esteem are in themselves emotions and emotions are created by our interpretation of what is happening in our lives. It is one thing to experience setback, it is another thing for it to translate to loss of confidence and esteem. When you experience career set back, you need to ask yourself, what does it mean to you, is it overwhelming me or is it inspiring me to do more? When you acknowledge the feeling and your interpretation that is creating the feeling, it becomes easier to deal with.

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2 Seek Support

Navigating through a career setback can be isolating, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or professional colleagues who can offer support and perspective. Sometimes, just talking about your experiences can help alleviate the burden. These individuals may provide valuable advice or share their own stories of overcoming similar obstacles. Their encouragement can bolster your self-esteem and remind you of your worth beyond your career.

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3 Reflect Honestly

Take this time to reflect on your career path honestly. Assess what led to the setback without being overly critical of yourself. Was it a matter of circumstance, or are there areas where you could improve? This reflection isn't about assigning blame; it's about understanding the situation so you can move forward effectively. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and consider how you can leverage them to avoid similar setbacks in the future.

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Christina Soname

Maxwell Certified Trainer, Coach & Speaker | Management Consultant | Corporate trainer | Author | Learning & Development Professional | Job/Career Reinvention Coach
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In my experience, taking the time to reflect on situations helps you unlock the answers that lie within you. I highly encourage penning down the highlights of your thoughts as you reflect. Writing is a therapeutic practice.

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4 Set Goals

After reflecting, it's time to set new goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Setting goals will give you direction and a sense of purpose. Start with small, attainable objectives to build momentum and gradually work towards more significant aspirations. Each goal achieved is a confidence booster, reaffirming your capabilities and helping to restore self-esteem.

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Christina Soname

Maxwell Certified Trainer, Coach & Speaker | Management Consultant | Corporate trainer | Author | Learning & Development Professional | Job/Career Reinvention Coach
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You can take things a step further by creating a pictorial representation of your goal. What’s a picture that depicts your goal when it is achieved? Keep that in sight to help you stay reminded and motivated to take the actions that lead to the achievement of your goal(s).

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5 Learn and Grow

Every setback is an opportunity for growth. Embrace the chance to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. This could mean taking a course, attending workshops, or simply reading up on industry trends. By actively seeking knowledge and self-improvement, you're not only making yourself more marketable but also reinforcing your self-worth. Learning is a proactive way to regain control over your career trajectory.

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6 Move Forward

Ultimately, the goal is to move forward from the setback with renewed vigor and confidence. This means applying what you've learned, taking risks, and being open to new opportunities. Don't let fear of failure hold you back. Instead, view each new endeavor as a chance to succeed and prove to yourself that one setback does not define your career. With resilience and determination, you'll emerge stronger and more self-assured than before.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your career setback has shaken your confidence and self-esteem?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Feelings

2 Seek Support

3 Reflect Honestly

4 Set Goals

5 Learn and Grow

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

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What do you do if your career setback has shaken your confidence and self-esteem?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Feelings

2 Seek Support

3 Reflect Honestly

4 Set Goals

5 Learn and Grow

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

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