Season 2 Episode 102: Key Strategies for Bouncing Back from Setbacks

Lessons Learned for Vets

Sometimes life hands you the unexpected. For the last episode of Season 2, I had a plan but then had to pivot. My life was hacked last week, and if you’ve ever experienced someone gaining access to your bank account, then you know that the nightmare keeps going, compounding itself with each new day. My planned guest also had life hand him the unexpected, so I decided to record a solo episode. My week inspired me to touch on a subject that is universal – the dreaded bad day or in my case, days.

Even the hardest days contain lessons that can help you become a better person. While you are living that bad day, it can feel like things will never improve. However, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to improve your life or someone else’s life. If you are in a season of challenging circumstances, consider the following to help you continue moving forward.

☑ Life Doesn’t Need to be Perfect. Our culture has conditioned us to strive for perfection through results-driven performance, meeting expectations and reaching goals. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for progress. You will stumble as you move toward reaching your goal, and that’s okay.

☑ Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight. Our social media feeds only show highlight reels. People spend a lot of time and energy presenting their best moments to the world. You are not alone in your struggles and challenges. Take time to slow your mind and focus on the present. Find an activity that brings you back to the “now” like exercise, meditation, journaling or hiking.

☑ There Is a Lesson in Every Struggle. Next time you stumble, reframe your mindset from failing to learning. Instead of focusing on the negative, look for the lesson in your struggle. This will help you make positive changes and prevent similar situations in the future.

☑ Hard times Help You Appreciate the Good. Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

☑ It’s Okay to Cry, Freak-Out, Go to Bed – Just Get Back Up Tomorrow. Having emotion is not a sign of weakness. Look for positive ways to release your negative feelings whenever possible and then move forward.

☑ Worry Makes You Suffer Twice. Ask yourself why you are worrying. It is our nature to prepare for things that might go wrong or eventualities. Recognize what you can and can’t control.

☑ No One’s Life is as Picturesque as It Looks. Do not compare your life to someone else’s social media posts. If you find that social media is negatively impacting your self-esteem and happiness, then walk away from it. Consider only using LinkedIn to network and communicate – bypass the news feed.

☑ It Takes Courage to Ask for Help. You have a community of people willing and wanting to help you. You are not a burden.

☑ There’s Always Something to Be Grateful for. My challenge for you is to focus on 1 thing that you are thankful for when you wake up in the morning and when you go to sleep at night. It’s hard to feel a lack of hope when you feel gratitude in your heart.

As we conclude Season 2 of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we want to hear from you! Please give us your feedback and input for our next season by completing a short survey at

AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more.

AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.