As dedicated teachers our job day-in and day-out is to move our students forward, teach them the next lesson, prepare them for the future, progress their technique, etc. etc. Often we apply this same mentality to our own lives and goals, constantly wanting to do better and utilizing tunnel-vision to check off the next goal on our list. At times we don’t take into account the effect that set-backs can have on our psyche, our health and our mental wellbeing. It is a topic that is extremely relevant because our students will also endure these kinds of disappointments as well. Our job is to first learn how we can deal with them on a personal level so that we can give our students the best advice and guidance in terms of how to move forward from life’s little surprises.

            I think it is most important to realize that a set-back is not a failure. When things don’t go our way that is customarily the first place we go. We might feel let-down, unworthy, not good enough or talented, etc. Now, think about how your student at the tender adolescent age might feel. Let’s magnify that ten-fold and step into their shoes. Without the proper reinforcement or “cheerleading section” to keep morale up, there then becomes no voice of reason. What we want to avoid for ourselves and for others is a downward spiral of negativity vs. working it through in our own minds, giving ourselves a minute to feel sorry for ourselves and then getting back up there on the horse to try again. It is imperative that we don’t stay in that headspace for too long. Learning how to internalize and then rationalize these thoughts and feelings will consequently help you see set-back as an opportunity to grow, to learn and ultimately to become a stronger, more well-rounded artist, teacher, student and individual.

            So how do we maintain positivity in the wake of set-back? It is not easy. Especially when you don’t quite understand it yourself and are expected to explain it to a ten year old and sound convincing. The most important thing to remember is that 9 times out of 10 you will understand why this set-back occurred down the road. You will have that “Ah-ha” moment. You will look back and say, “Ah…now I get it…this is the lesson I was supposed to learn at that time to now learn this.” Set-back makes us appreciate the journey we and our students are on. It makes you hungry to succeed, appreciative and humble when you do and stronger than you ever thought possible. Those that don’t experience disappointment probably haven’t wanted something bad enough or are just the rare, extremely lucky individual. For our students, honesty is truly the best policy. While it would be easier to say that one set-back is all anyone is allotted, the truth is we don’t know how easy or difficult one’s path will be. BUT, the trick is to maintain that positivity to trust in yourself and let the cards falls where they may. Easier said than done, right? Well, getting back up every time will eventually lead to success. That perseverance and dedication are virtues that will never be taken from you.