As we near the close of 2024, it’s only natural to reflect on the past year—the highs, the lows, and the moments that didn’t quite go as planned.
A year ago, like many of you, I was full of optimism, declaring, “This is going to be my year!” I had a vision and clear goals. But, as life often does, it threw some unexpected challenges my way. Setbacks occurred, plans changed, and my resolve was tested.
When goals or plans don’t work out, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, remember that setbacks are a natural part of life and personal growth. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in a similar situation. Allow yourself to learn from the experience without being overly critical, and recognise that every step—even the ones that don’t go as planned—helps you grow and move forward. Being gentle with yourself creates space for resilience and renewed energy to try again.
Whether you’re developing resilience in children, yourself, or offering support to someone else, it all boils down to the same thing: “keep on truckin” when things get tough. Encouraging problem-solving, offering support through mistakes, and maintaining a positive mindset helps us grow stronger. With the right guidance, both adults and children can build the confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Research shows that resilient people tend to experience less anxiety, worry and depression, and they maintain a more optimistic outlook, even when things don’t go as planned.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress, but learning to manage it effectively so it doesn’t overwhelm us and have us dropping to our knees at the faintest whiff of a problem.
One way to nurture resilience is by mentally reframing setbacks as part of the learning process. This mindset makes it easier to keep going during difficult times. Staying connected to supportive friends, family, or mentors also plays a key role, as does practising mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion. If you don’t know where or how to begin, have a quick google or take a look at my website for ideas on simple mindfulness practices.
As we move into 2025, it’s important to remember that setbacks don’t define us—they shape us and make us stronger! Resilience helps us turn challenges into stepping stones for a stronger, more empowered future. So let’s embrace the lessons of 2024 and look forward to a happy, healthy, successful new year.
Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor find out more about her work at pathwaysforpositivity.com
Photo: Shutterstock
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