Today, we confront one of the most inevitable and challenging aspects of any meaningful endeavor: the experience of a setback.

No matter how carefully we plan, how hard we work, or how clear our vision is, life is guaranteed to present us with obstacles. A project will fail, a promotion will go to someone else, a business venture will falter, or a personal goal will be met with unexpected resistance. These moments are critical forks in the road. For many, a setback is a painful, discouraging event that signals it’s time to retreat or give up. It can feel like a verdict on our abilities and a definitive sign that our goal was not meant to be.