Editorial: Setbacks are just set-ups for you to step up

By Andre Jones | January 20, 2022 9:17 pm

There are times where you will fail. That’s life. But those are times where you can rise back to the occasion as well.

Over the past few months, I have seen a lot of highlights on the careers of former student-athletes. From personal relationships blossoming to advancements in careers, and purchases of a new home, they have entered into a brand new stratosphere when it comes to where they are and the places they can go.

But I also recall when they were student-athletes. Many of them struggled. Many of them did not comprehend all the concepts in school. Many had troubles on the athletic field.

But there was a motto that I preached subliminally to my student-athletes: “Setbacks are just set-ups for you to step up.”

That is a powerful statement that I learned throughout my journey in life. There will always be times where you don’t know why things happen to you. Not everything will fall in your favor, but it’s how you respond that will make the biggest difference in your growth.

Personal growth is the result of the path that is taken. There may be obstacles that prevent you from a direct route, while there may be shortcuts that are tempting but won’t be as productive to get through. There are so many decisions and realizations that will challenge you as an individual.

But as I see these highlights from my former student-athletes, it lets me know that they did it and that anybody else can do it as well. The ups and downs of life are just that; rides of uncertainty, highs, and lows. But the way you navigate to it and gravitate to them is completely the choice and decision that you make.

As we continue to be challenged in 2022, I challenge everybody to find a goal and a destination that they want to accomplish. Sometimes people will not be able to see your outlook on life, but if they are true friends and supporters, they will help you clear the path to success instead of divert you from the path.

So for the newer generation, here is the best way to give you a small outlook on judging your route to success: A GPS can give you many routes, whether it’s the fastest, shortest, or the most efficient. As the driver and/or navigator, it’s up to you to pick which one gets you to your destination in a way that provides you the most for the work you put in.