No matter what goal you set out to achieve, chances are you鈥檒l encounter a few obstacles along the way. Setbacks and failures happen for all of us. It鈥檚 a part of what makes us human.聽
While this is a deeply shared experience, we can easily forget just how normal failure is, especially if it seems like everyone around us coasting by with ease.聽
Here are some tips you can use to manage and overcome setbacks this semester.
1. Adjust your mindset
Have you ever held yourself back because you were worried you might fail?
It鈥檚 more common than you think. Holding onto fears and assumptions about how a situation will turn out can make it feel impossible to start. In fact, when we think we may fail at something, we often do everything in our power to avoid it.
If this sounds like you, try some of these tips:
聽Challenge your assumptions. It鈥檚 common to make assumptions about situations that feel daunting. For instance, you might assume that you won鈥檛 be able to complete a project because it feels overwhelming or you don鈥檛 have enough time. However, it鈥檚 important to challenge these assumptions. Instead of focusing your energy on worst case scenarios or things you 肠补苍鈥檛 control, think through things you can control like visiting office hours or teaming up with other people in your class.
聽Take some time to reflect. If you鈥檙e worried about failing, it can be helpful to take a step back to reflect. Ask yourself: is this truly a 鈥渇ailure鈥 or is it something that didn鈥檛 go as you planned? Is it something you can bounce back from? Chances are good that you can and will bounce back. Remember that experiencing setbacks is a normal part of life and they won鈥檛 define you.
聽Expand your timeline. If you鈥檙e worried about failing or are struggling to cope with a recent setback, it can also be helpful to expand your timeline. For instance, is this particular setback going to matter in 7 days, 7 months or 7 years? Perhaps some things that feel major now will turn out to be less important down the road.
Academic resources
Grade Replacement Program
This program allows degree-seeking undergrad and graduate students to retake a course in which they earned a low grade in an attempt to improve their cumulative GPA.聽
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers one-on-one support for CU Boulder undergrad and graduate students. Their consultants are available to help you with papers, presentations and more.
Tutoring services
Students can access tutoring services across campus through the residence halls, academic programs and other departments.
Health and Wellness resources
Disability Services
Disability Services is dedicated to providing students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in university programs, courses and activities through reasonable accommodations and services.
Let鈥檚 Talk
Meet with a counselor for a 15-20 minute consultation. Let鈥檚 Talk counselors can help address concerns related to relationships, academics, finances and more. They鈥檙e also available to provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources.
Feel Better Fast
This free workshop series is designed to help you make positive changes in your life. You will learn how to calm yourself in stressful situations, take a step back from your thoughts and make decisions that feel right for you.
Peer Wellness Coaching
Peer Wellness Coaching is a free service available to all CU Boulder students to help you set and achieve your wellness goals.
Mindful Monday
This weekly program provides an opportunity for you to learn about and engage in mindfulness practices.
Wellness Wednesday
This weekly program lets you take a break from your day to engage in self-care activities and meet one-on-one with an emotional wellness peer educator to create a personalized self-care plan that works for you.
Personal training services
The Rec Center鈥檚 nationally certified personal trainers can help provide motivation, education, guidance and instruction to help you improve your overall fitness and achieve your goals. They are also here to support you through assessments that can help maximize your workout while minimizing risk of injury.
Nutrition Services
Schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to get support with a variety of nutrition needs, including nutrition assessments, food allergies and sensitivities, body composition analysis, sports nutrition, intuitive eating and more. You can also access food assistance programs through Feed the Stampede.
Adventure Resource Center
The Outdoor Program鈥檚 Adventure Resource Center (ARC) is available to help you plan your next adventure, big or small. The ARC provides a welcoming space where you can plan a trip or get assistance and recommendations from knowledgeable staff.聽