When Life Knocks You Down

The Mindset Shifts That Help You Stand Taller Than Before

“When life pushes you to the ground, let the ground become the place you gather power for your next rise” – Dave Mbawa

Falling Is Not Failure; It’s the First Step to Rising

Life has a way of humbling us at the very moments we think we’ve gained complete control. Setbacks come in the form of job losses, financial struggles, failed relationships, missed opportunities or dreams that seem to slip through our fingers. When life knocks you down, it’s easy to believe that the fall is permanent. But the truth is, falling is an invitation, a reminder that you’re human, growing and being reshaped. The key is not avoiding the fall, but learning how to rise from it stronger, wiser and more grounded than ever.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore mindset shifts that turn setbacks into stepping stones. These shifts don’t deny the pain, they transform it. They don’t ignore reality, they help you reshape it and as you’ll see from the real-life examples included, the people who rise highest are rarely the ones who never fall; they are the ones who refuse to stay down.

1. Shift Your Narrative: From “Why Me?” to “What Is This Teaching Me?”

When life hits hard, the first instinct is often to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” But this question traps you inside victimhood. A powerful mindset shift is moving from self-pity to perspective. Ask instead: “What is this teaching me?” That single question transforms pain into a lesson and setbacks into wisdom.

Think of someone who lost a job unexpectedly. Instead of spiralling, they saw it as a lesson in redirection. Months later, they started a small business that gave them joy and financial freedom. The fall became fuel.

2. Accept That Hardship Is Part of the Human Journey

Many people struggle because they believe suffering means something is wrong with them. In reality, everyone even the strongest, faces storms. When you understand that hardship is a universal experience, you stop feeling singled out.

A young woman shared how her divorce felt like a personal failure until she realised millions go through heartbreak and rebuild. Acceptance didn’t remove the pain but removed the shame and allowed healing to begin.

3. Reframe Setbacks as Setups for Growth

Every major breakthrough is preceded by a breakdown. Setbacks force us to confront weaknesses, refine our strategies and strengthen our resilience.

There’s a man who was rejected by five publishers before finally writing a bestseller. He later said, “If they had accepted my first draft, I would’ve never improved my writing.” Sometimes rejection redirects you to excellence.

J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Porter was rejected by twelve publishers who told her that her work would not be liked. Each time she faced rejection, she went back and wrote more and more, tried the next publisher until a smaller publisher finally accepted her book. If she had given up earlier, Harry Porter would never have been published. Today Harry Porter is a world-renowned brand. It is a multi million dollar business.

4. Focus on What You Can Control, Release What You Can’t

We suffer most when we cling to things outside our control, other people’s actions, unexpected events or past mistakes. Strength comes from focusing on your response, not the event.

An employee once lost her job due to company restructuring. She couldn’t control the decision, but she could control her attitude. She used the free time to learn new skills and landed a higher-paying role two months later. Empowerment comes from focusing on your sphere of influence.

5. Embrace Small Steps Instead of Big Leaps

When you’re knocked down, getting up can feel overwhelming. The secret is simple: take one small step at a time.

One man recovering from burnout started with a five-minute walk each morning. It seemed tiny, but it rebuilt his confidence, discipline and mental clarity. Small steps create momentum and momentum creates transformation.

6. Surround Yourself With Voices That Lift, Not Limit

Your environment shapes your resilience. Negative voices drain your strength, while supportive voices energise it.

A young entrepreneur shared how he nearly quit after failing twice until he joined a community of business owners who had faced similar challenges. Their encouragement kept him going and his third business succeeded. Sometimes you rise simply because you’re surrounded by people who remind you that you can.

7. Let Go of the Need to Be Perfect

Perfectionism magnifies setbacks and makes every fall feel fatal. A resilient mindset embraces imperfection as part of the journey.

Consider someone who wanted to start writing but kept waiting for the “perfect time.” When she finally abandoned perfection and began writing messy drafts, she finished her first book in months. Imperfect action beats perfect intention every time.

8. Find Strength in Vulnerability

Real strength is not pretending you’re fine, it’s admitting you’re hurting but choosing to keep going. Vulnerability opens the door to healing, connection and support.

A man grieving the loss of a parent shared how trying to be strong alone left him empty. When he finally opened up to friends and support groups, the burden became lighter and hope began to return.

9. Visualise the Comeback Version of Yourself

When life knocks you down, the hardest part is believing you can rise again. Visualisation helps bridge the gap between who you are and who you are becoming.

Athletes recovering from injuries often visualise themselves back on the field, winning. This mental practice speeds up physical recovery. See the future version of yourself who has survived this moment and let that vision pull you forward.

10. Turn Your Pain Into Purpose

Some of the greatest missions are born from moments of difficulty. Your setback may become the story that helps someone else rise.

Think of someone who grew up in poverty, later built a successful career and now helps others break financial barriers. Their pain became purpose. When you rise after being knocked down, you don’t rise alone; you pull others up with you.