Resilience: it’s a quality that sets some of us apart. And, let’s face it, in this game of life, we all face setbacks.

But there’s a select group, a mere 2% of the population, who seem to bounce back from failure faster and stronger than the rest of us.

Ever wondered what they’re doing differently? I did.

So, I started digging and found out these resilient folks nearly always follow a set of seven unique practices.

In this piece, I’ll be sharing these surprising habits that could make you part of that 2% who rise from the ashes of failure like a proverbial phoenix.

No sugar-coating, no jargon, just simple language and practical advice. Because we’re all about making life easier here, not more complicated.

Let’s dive in.

1) Embrace the failure

Let’s face it, failure isn’t fun.

No one likes to fall flat on their face, especially when it feels like the world is watching.

But those who bounce back from failure faster than others understand something vital – failure is an integral part of success.

Instead of seeing failure as a dead-end, they view it as a stepping stone.

They know that each defeat carries valuable lessons that can be used to forge a path towards their goals.

They embrace the process, learning and growing from each setback.

In essence, they turn their failures into feedback.

This mindset shift is a game-changer.

When we stop fearing failure and start seeing it as an opportunity for growth, we’re able to bounce back faster, stronger and more determined than ever.

Every successful person has a tale of failure behind them. So next time you face a setback, don’t shy away.

Embrace it, learn from it and let it propel you forward.

2) Stay focused on the bigger picture

Here’s a personal story for you. A few years back, I was working on a project that I was incredibly passionate about.

I poured my heart and soul into it, only to watch it crumble. It felt like I had hit a brick wall at full speed.

But instead of letting this failure derail me completely, I chose to keep my eyes on the bigger picture.

Yes, this project had failed, but that didn’t mean my ultimate goal was out of reach. I still wanted to create, to innovate, and to make a difference.

Staying focused on the bigger picture allowed me to see this failure as just a small detour on my journey, rather than the end of the road.

It gave me the perspective I needed to pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back in the game.

Those who bounce back from failure have this laser-sharp focus on their ultimate goal.

They don’t let temporary setbacks cloud their vision or dampen their spirit. They know that failures are fleeting, but their goals are constant.

When you face failure, remember your bigger picture. Keep your eyes fixed on your ultimate goal and let it guide you through the tough times.

3) Cultivate a growth mindset

Did you know that our brains have the capacity to change and adapt throughout our entire lives?

This ability, known as neuroplasticity, is central to our capacity to learn and grow.

Those who bounce back from failure faster than most have harnessed the power of this phenomenon by cultivating a growth mindset.

They understand that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and yes, even failure.

They see challenges as opportunities to stretch their abilities.

When they fail, they don’t interpret it as a lack of ability or intelligence, but rather as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

This mindset is what fuels their resilience. It empowers them to keep pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Next time you face a setback, remember that your brain is designed for growth and adaptation.

Embrace the challenge and see what you’re truly capable of.

4) Practice self-compassion

Failure can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism, berating ourselves for our mistakes and missteps.

However, those who bounce back quickly from failure have a different approach – they practice self-compassion.

Instead of beating themselves up over their failures, they treat themselves with kindness and understanding, just as they would a friend.

They acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that failure is a universal experience.

By adopting this attitude, they avoid the negative spiral of self-criticism that can prolong feelings of failure.

Instead, they’re able to move forward more quickly, using their energy to learn from their mistakes and plan their next steps.

The next time you face a setback, remember to be kind to yourself.

Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you’d show to a friend.

It’s a powerful tool for resilience and can help you bounce back faster than you might think.

5) Never lose sight of your ‘why’

A few years ago, I found myself in a tough spot. An endeavor I had poured my heart into was falling apart.

I was failing and it felt like everything I had worked for was slipping through my fingers.

But amidst this turmoil, I clung to my ‘why’. I held on to the reason why I started on this path in the first place.

This belief, this purpose, became my anchor in the stormy sea of failure.

Those who bounce back from failure understand their ‘why’.

They have a deep-rooted sense of purpose that guides them through their darkest hours.

Their ‘why’ acts as a beacon, keeping them centred and focused despite the challenges they face.

Your ‘why’ is your personal mission statement. It’s what drives you, what gets you out of bed in the morning.

When failure strikes, hold on to your ‘why’.

It can be the lifeline that pulls you out of the depths of despair and sets you back on the path to success.

6) Surround yourself with positive influences

The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your ability to bounce back from failure.

Those who recover quickly often have a network of positive, supportive individuals around them.

These are the people who lift you up when you’re down, remind you of your strengths when you’re feeling weak, and encourage you to get back up when you’ve fallen.

They’re your cheerleaders, your sounding boards, your advisors.

Having a strong support network can make a world of difference when dealing with failure.

It can provide you with the encouragement, advice, and perspective you need to pick yourself up and move forward.

Take a look at the people around you. Are they encouraging and supportive? Do they inspire you to be better?

If not, it might be time to seek out those who do.

We’re often influenced by the company we keep.

Surround yourself with positivity and resilience, and it’s likely to rub off on you too.

7) Keep going, no matter what

At the end of the day, the most crucial factor in bouncing back from failure is sheer persistence.

Those who recover quicker than 98% of the population are those who refuse to give up.

When they fall, they get back up. When they face a roadblock, they find a way around it. They keep going, no matter what.

Persistence is not about being stubborn or refusing to accept reality.

It’s about having the courage and tenacity to keep moving forward, despite the odds.

It’s about believing in yourself and your ability to succeed, even when the going gets tough.

The road to success is littered with failures. But each failure is just another step on the journey.

Keep going, keep trying, and never give up. Success may be just around the corner.

Final thoughts: It’s all about the mindset

The journey of life is often punctuated by failure.

But as we’ve explored, it’s not the failure itself that defines us – it’s how we respond to it.

Those who bounce back from failure faster than most have cultivated a mindset that sees setbacks not as pitfalls but as stepping stones.

They embrace failure as a part of the journey, an opportunity for growth and learning.

They understand that success is not a straight line but a winding path filled with ups and downs, twists and turns.

A quote by Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors, sums it up perfectly: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Next time you face failure, remember these insights.

Remember that your ability to bounce back depends largely on your mindset and perspective.

Embrace the experience, learn from it, and keep going.

Because in the end, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s simply part of the journey.