Bouncing Back from Setbacks

When Things Go Wrong

Immediate Response Protocol (First 24 hours):

1. Feel the feeling - Don't suppress disappointment/frustration
2. Time limit emotions - Give yourself 2-4 hours to process
3. Get basic needs met - Eat, sleep, move your body
4. Reach out - Talk to mentor, friend, or advisor
5. Begin analysis - What can be learned?

The Failure Learning Framework

Within 48 hours, ask:

• What specifically went wrong?
• What factors were within my control?
• What factors were outside my control?
• What would I do differently?
• What did I do well?
• How does this inform future decisions?

Resilience Mantras

When facing setbacks:

• "This is temporary and specific, not permanent and universal"
• "Every successful founder has a graveyard of failures behind them"