8.3: Dealing with Setbacks and Obstacles

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At times, unexpected events and challenges can get in the way of best-laid plans. For example, you might get sick or injured or need to deal with a family issue or a financial crisis. Earlier in this chapter, we considered a scenario in which a student realized she needed to change her major and career plans. Such upsets, whether minor or major, may trigger a need to take some time off from school—perhaps a semester or a year. Your priorities may shift, and you may need to reevaluate your goals.

We talked about staying connected via social media as an aspect of achieving your goal. The support of our social media contacts can be powerful as a motivating tool. Sometimes however, social media can discourage us, when we compare ourselves unfavorably to others who only show the most successful and positive aspects of their lives on social media.