Let’s be real for a minute.
Have you been job prospecting for what feels like forever, only to hear crickets?
Maybe your product isn’t selling, your online business isn’t moving, or your job has you questioning every life decision you’ve ever made.
Whatever the reason, sometimes you just get tired, frustrated, and downright discouraged.
But here’s the thing: being down is not the same as being defeated.
Psalm 42–43 gives us four powerful principles for getting back up when life—and business—has you feeling like throwing in the towel.
1. Talk to yourself before you let yourself talk to you.
The Psalmist asks, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?”
In other words, he’s having a conversation with himself. And honey, sometimes you have to do the same thing!
When that little voice starts saying, “This isn't working. I'm never going to succeed. Everybody else is doing better than me,” you need to shut that conversation down.
Take a breath and tell yourself:
“I am not finished. I am capable. I am going to keep moving forward.”
Talk to your mentor. Call a positive friend. Find people who will encourage you instead of helping you dig a deeper hole.
Remember: Success comes in cans; failure comes in cannots.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
2. Stop living in yesterday.
The Psalmist remembers the past, but he doesn't stay there.
And neither should you.
That failed sale? Done.
That opportunity that didn't work? Done.
That mistake you keep replaying at 2 a.m.? Girl, let it go!
Learn from it, make a better decision next time, and keep moving. You cannot drive forward while staring in the rearview mirror.
Your success is a journey, not a destination. So focus on what you can do today not what you wish you had done yesterday.
3. Remember that failure isn't the end of the story.
The Psalmist says, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him.”
Notice those words: “I will yet.”
That means, “It hasn't happened yet but I still believe.”
You may have failed at one goal, but that doesn't mean you're a failure.
Dust yourself off, adjust your strategy, and try again.
Sometimes success isn't about finding the perfect plan.
Sometimes it's about refusing to quit.
You haven't lost, you've learned.
4. Keep reminding yourself who you are and where you're going.
The Psalmist repeats the same question three times: “Why are you downcast, O my soul?”
Why repeat it?
Because sometimes you have to remind yourself more than once!
When setbacks happen, keep speaking life over yourself.
Visualize the future you're working toward. See yourself succeeding. See yourself reaching your goals.
See yourself walking into the opportunities you've been praying for.
And when things don't happen on your timeline?
Keep going anyway.
The road to success isn't supposed to be downhill. If it were, everybody would be doing it!
So when you're discouraged, remember these four things:
Talk to yourself.
Stop dwelling on the past.
Focus on the possibility of success.
And keep affirming your vision.
Most importantly, surround yourself with people who believe in growth, possibility, and purpose. You don't need a cheering section full of negativity telling you why you can't.
You need people who will look at you when you're down and say:
“Get up. We're not done yet.”
Because you aren't.
Get up. Dust yourself off. Fix what needs fixing. Pray. Believe. And GO.
Your story isn't over just because today didn't go according to plan.
Keep moving. Your “yet” may be closer than you think.
