Mindset Matters: Taking the 1% to Overcome Setbacks
Have you ever had one of those weeks when everything goes awry?
That presentation you carefully prepared and rehearsed, only to be riddled with technical difficulties on the day. That proposal that took hours to write, only to get rejected. That meeting you planned for, only to be cancelled last minute. We have all been there! A setback, or cluster of minor setbacks, can steal your energy and enthusiasm, leaving you longing for the week to be over so you can escape into the weekend.
I had one of those weeks this week. Fortunately, something one of my trainees said earlier helped me maintain a strong mindset that powered me through the multiple setbacks I encountered.
What did he say that left such a positive impact? He said, whatever you do and whatever the outcome, remember to take the 1%.
Following a training session I delivered, I focused on what I could have done better. As a trainer and coach, I remind my clients to overcome their negativity bias by balancing what went well with what they would like to work on. On this occasion, I had yet to practice what I teach. At that point, a trainee commented on the importance of identifying what went well, no matter how small that might be, when things don't go to plan – to take the 1%.
What can the 1% look like in a challenging situation at work?
To recycle the example of a presentation not going to plan due to technical difficulties. The 1% could be that:
You persevered despite the technical setbacks.
You remained calm and did not rush your pace of speech.
You adapted your delivery to account for the technical issues.
Attendees said they took away something valuable from the session.
You know what to do next time technical issues arise.
Any of the above could be the 1% you take away and playback to yourself whenever your inner critic recalls what you could or should have done.
When you next face a challenging situation, whether it is a presentation, project, or meeting that does not go as planned, ask yourself the following:
What's the 1% I can take away?
Your 1% could be as simple as what went well, how you handled the situation, or that you showed up and tried in the first place.
What have I learnt from this experience?
Every experience is a lesson that can help you grow. Identifying what you have learnt and how you will implement it helps develop and strengthen your skillset.
How will I remind myself about this?
The inner critic is a tough character that can show up unannounced. It is best to defend yourself against it by identifying when the critic is present and reminding yourself of your 1%. Writing or recording what your 1% is and displaying it somewhere you can see it is an excellent defence against the nagging critic.
What do I need now to move forward?
Whether making yourself a cup of tea or taking the following online meeting as a walking call, try to do something that will help you refocus your time and energy on the next thing you want to achieve.
All credit goes to my trainee, Paul, who introduced me to the idea of taking the 1%. This concept helped me pause and rethink how I perceive the challenges and setbacks I experienced this week. I hope it will help you too. So next time things don’t go as planned, remember to be kind to yourself and take the 1%.
Do you have an example of taking the 1% from a challenge you have faced in your work? Share your story and your 1% in the comments below.
Looking for more resources to inspire you to record?
