Plans go sideways. Deadlines slip. Unexpected hurdles appear. No matter how organised or prepared you are, life has a way of throwing curveballs.

I’ve been forced to cancel several client engagements this week due to a painful tooth infection that needed emergency dental treatment. I’ll admit to feeling pretty low at times, as I wrestled with whether to rest or work in moments of intense pain.

When things don’t go as expected, it’s easy to get stuck in frustration, disappointment, or even self-doubt. We also wonder what we could have done to avoid things - why didn’t we see them in advance, and make plans?

But the real challenge isn’t avoiding setbacks—it’s learning how to stay positive and move forward despite them. You can’t see the future, there will always be things that pop up and get in the way somehow.

The key is perspective. Instead of focusing on what’s gone wrong, shift your attention to what you can control. Ask yourself:

• What’s still within my power to influence?
• What’s the next best step I can take right now?
• What can I learn from this that will help me in the future?

Momentum comes from action, not dwelling on frustration. Take one small step forward—even if it’s just clarifying the new reality, resetting expectations, or asking for help. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Also, remember that setbacks aren’t just happening to you—they’re part of the bigger picture. Think about the strategies and pressures at play for the people around you. A delay from a colleague, a decision from leadership, or an unexpected shift in priorities might not be personal—it might be their own version of a curveball. Recognising this can help you respond with more patience, empathy, and adaptability.

So, take a breath. The path forward might not look like what you planned, but that doesn’t mean you’re not still moving in the right direction.

Adapt, adjust, and keep going.