Back to Home

Being Down is Normal – Even for Optimists

Being Down is Normal – Even for Optimists

Life knocks us all down and that’s okay.

Feel Your Feelings

Humans don’t process like machines. Your brain releases cortisol in tough situations. Research shows this biological response helped our ancestors survive. Instead of fighting it, accept these natural reactions.

Create a Recovery Timeline

Set a specific time frame to feel bad. Research shows people who give themselves 24-48 hours to feel bad about a situation recover faster than those who try to suppress their feelings immediately. Schedule your comeback date and stick to it.

Follow the Parent Method

Treat yourself like you would treat your child during tough times. Parents offer comfort first, then guidance, then encouragement to try again. Apply this 3 step approach to your own setbacks: comfort yourself, analyze objectively, create an action plan.

Build Your Resilience Habit

Top performers in sports and business use specific techniques to bounce back from failures. Start with 5 minutes of deep breathing. Write down 3 things you learned from the situation. Take one small action towards your goal within 24 hours of the setback.

Reset Your Mind

Professional athletes have a “reset ritual” between points or plays. Create your own: find a quiet space, acknowledge how you feel, list 3 things you can do right now, focus on the smallest one first.

Enjoyed this article?

Get my latest thoughts on building software, business, and life delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

My Random Thoughts

Your Environment Shapes Your Character

Your Environment Shapes Your Character

You don't have one personality. You have different versions of yourself that show up depending on where you are. The gym activates a fighter. A coffee shop unlocks creativity. Your desk with an external monitor turns on deep focus. Most people blame willpower when they struggle to get things done—but the real variable is environment. Once you map which spaces bring out which version of you, you stop fighting yourself and start choosing the right setting for the right task.

2/16/2026
The Cost of Giving Life Events Too Much Importance

The Cost of Giving Life Events Too Much Importance

The more emotional energy we put into an event, the bigger its impact on our mind. When we magnify the importance of negative situations, they get bigger and more overwhelming. This creates a self perpetuating cycle of stress and anxiety that pulls us further away from our center.

10/28/2024
30 Days of Consistency Can Change Your Life

30 Days of Consistency Can Change Your Life

Most people never realize how much 30 days of consistent action—just one small effort each day—can completely change their life. Whether it's physical like push-ups or mental like meditation, showing up daily with clear intention leads to real growth. In this post, I share how combining intention with simple action over 30 days can turn any goal into progress you can actually feel.

8/25/2025