When life delivers a blow, it can feel impossible to recover. I know this firsthand: behind steel bars, every setback was amplified a thousandfold. Yet it was in those darkest moments that I discovered the first of my 16 Principles—Reframe Your Story. Instead of seeing obstacles as dead ends, I learned to view them as setups for my next move.

The first step is simple but profound: label every setback as a springboard. Write down what went wrong, then ask yourself, “What’s the lesson here?” This small mental shift creates space for opportunity. In practice, I recommend setting aside five minutes each morning to journal one recent setback and its hidden advantage. Over time, you’ll train your mind to hunt for the silver lining, even in the most daunting challenges.

Next, embrace the power of micro‑wins. Large goals can feel overwhelming; incremental progress fuels momentum. Celebrate finishing that tough email, mastering a new skill, or simply showing up when you didn’t feel like it. These daily victories accumulate, fortifying your confidence to tackle bigger battles.

Finally, anchor yourself in purpose. When I rediscovered hope, it was because I connected my struggle to a higher goal—helping others break free from their own chains. Your purpose might be career success, creative expression, or simply being a rock for your family. Let that North Star guide you back whenever setbacks threaten to pull you under.