What If It’s Not a Setback—But a Setup? Turning Roadblocks Into Redirection

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we’re asking: What if your setback isn’t the end of the road, but a setup for something greater? Too often, we treat failure like a stop sign—something to fear, avoid, or be ashamed of. But what if it’s actually a signpost pointing us toward a better path, one we couldn’t have seen without the detour? This week, we’re flipping the script on disappointment and getting curious about the hidden wisdom in rejection, reroutes, and redirections.

Think about a time when something didn’t go your way—and now you’re secretly (or loudly) grateful. That job you didn’t get, the relationship that fizzled, the opportunity that slipped through your fingers…maybe that wasn’t a failure, but a filter. We’ll explore the difference between giving up and giving in, and how to know when you’re resisting growth or simply being rerouted to a better destination. Let’s dive in!

We’ll start by unpacking a few key terms and ideas that will help frame the rest of our conversation.

Setback – A setback is typically defined as an interruption in progress—a problem or delay that keeps you from moving forward as planned. It’s that moment when things don’t go according to script and you feel like you’ve hit a wall. Most of us interpret a setback as failure, rejection, or a signal to give up. But what if that interruption is really a signal to pause, recalibrate, or shift direction?

Setup – When we say a “setup,” we’re talking about a reframing of perspective. Instead of viewing the problem as a block, we start to see it as a preparation—a moment meant to teach us, shape us, or even protect us from something we can’t yet see. A setup can feel frustrating in real time, but it’s often that pivot point we later recognize as essential.

Giving Up vs. Giving In – These two sound similar but have very different meanings. Giving up means you stop trying—throw in the towel, close the book, walk away from the possibility. Giving in, however, is a more nuanced choice. It means you adjust. You yield to a new reality or modify the plan—not because you’re weak, but because you’re willing to grow. It’s not quitting the goal; it’s choosing a wiser way forward.

Reframing Failure – This is where the mindset shift begins. Instead of labeling failure as the end, we see it as a necessary part of success. Many people we admire failed multiple times before finding their true direction. Reframing means we no longer fear failure—we learn from it. We use it.

By grounding ourselves in these definitions, we give ourselves the freedom to move through life’s plot twists with a bit more grace—and maybe even a little optimism.

The Importance of Letting Go of Control

The Value of 'No'

How to Deal with Disappointment

CHALLENGE: Stop labeling your setbacks as stop signs and start seeing them as scenic detours—opportunities to learn, grow, and arrive even more prepared. Trade the urge to give up for the courage to give in—to adapt, realign, and continue your journey with wisdom and grace.

I Know YOU Can Do It!