5 Strategic Moves To Go From Setbacks To Success

Let’s get one thing straight: success is not some neat, straight line that takes you from Point A to Point B with no detours, roadblocks, or flat-out crashes along the way. If it were, we’d all be sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere, basking in our flawless execution. But reality? Reality’s more like a game of Twister where every move feels like it could land you face-first on the mat. As a business leader, you’ll face moments that test your vision, your stamina, and whether you’ve had enough coffee to deal with the latest catastrophe. But here’s the deal—treat it like a strategy game, and you just might find yourself winning. Here are five rules to help you stay in the game when the going gets tough.

1. Be Resourceful: Flip the Game on Its Head

Ever felt like you were on top of the world, only to have it come crashing down like a Jenga tower in a hurricane? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s easy to get cocky when things are going well, but the real test comes when the rug gets pulled out from under you. Instead of playing the victim, get resourceful. Think of it as “flipping the game.” When setbacks hit, don’t just sit there asking, “Why me?” Start planning for inevitability. People will move on, business partners will leave, and yes, someone might even steal your idea. But if you’ve got a strategy that includes hiring people who can handle a crisis before the crisis hits, you’ll be the one still standing when the dust settles.

Strategy isn’t just about managing the wins—it’s about surviving the losses. So be like a Boy Scout: always be prepared, but maybe with fewer badges and more backup plans.

2. Be Proactive: Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best

Let’s play a little game called “What If?” What if your top employee committed identity theft? What if a remote worker quits and runs off with company equipment? Fun, right? Not exactly, but it’s necessary. Being proactive means asking uncomfortable questions and then setting up the procedures that will keep your business from going belly-up when the worst happens.

For me, that means everything from creating training manuals that cover the basics (so I’m not answering the same questions over and over) to scheduling my day in a way that lets me get ahead of the game before most people have even hit snooze. The idea here is simple: control your day, or it will control you. And trust me, your day doesn’t play fair.

3. Look for What’s Not Visible: The Chessboard of Business

You know what’s funny about chess? On the surface, it looks like everything’s right there in front of you—no hidden information, no surprises. But if you’re just looking at the pieces on the board, you’re missing the point. The real game is in the potential moves, the traps you didn’t see coming, and the opportunities hiding in plain sight.

In business, it’s tempting to react to every little blip on the radar, whether it’s a market trend or the latest economic forecast. But knee-jerk reactions won’t get you where you want to go. Stay on offense, move with intention, and for the love of all things caffeinated, stick to your strategy. Consistency is what builds your brand, not some flashy marketing campaign that’s here today and gone tomorrow.

4. Learn to Let Go: Sometimes, Patience Is the Best Move

Ever watched a chess grandmaster deliberate over a single move for what feels like an eternity? That’s patience, my friends, and it’s a skill worth developing. In business, there will be times when you’re betrayed, let down, or just plain disappointed by people you trust. The instinct is to react, to fix things immediately—but that’s usually a mistake.

Instead, take a step back. Observe. Listen. And wait. Sometimes, the best move is no move at all. This isn’t about being passive; it’s about being smart. React too quickly, and you might just dig yourself into a deeper hole. So slow things down, keep your focus, and hit your marks when the time is right.

5. Let Others Make You Better: Embrace the Challenge

You know those people who always tell you what you want to hear? Yeah, they’re not doing you any favors. Some of my best mentors were the ones who challenged me, who ruffled my feathers, and made me rethink my brilliant (read: not-so-brilliant) ideas. Surround yourself with people who push you, who refuse to let you settle for mediocrity. They’re the ones who will help you turn that seed of an idea into something worth pursuing.

In poker, you rely on reading the room, understanding the other players, and knowing when to bluff and when to fold. The same goes for business. Sometimes, it’s not about the cards you’re dealt; it’s about how you play them. Know when to quit a losing hand, but also know when to hold on and ride out the storm. Patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt—that’s what separates the winners from the also-rans.

Wrap-Up: Stay in the Game

Winning in business isn’t about having the perfect plan or never making mistakes. It’s about staying in the game, even when things get tough. Everyone around you is looking for an advantage, and the stakes are high. But if you slow down, think ahead, and find your winning strategy, you’ll uncover the moves that will take you to the top. Remember, success isn’t linear—it’s a game. And sometimes, all you need to do is keep playing.