Bill Walsh On Handling Setbacks--Do's & Don'ts

I have always been impressed by the coaching and leadership of Bill Walsh. But the more I read and study about him the more impressive I become. The following are from his book, "The Score Takes Care Of Itself."

He talks about how when pursuing ambitious goals there are going to be setbacks. In order to reach those goals we have to learn how to manage those setbacks. Here are his suggestions:

Do's

1. Do expect defeat--it's a given. If you're surprised, you're dreaming and dreamers don't last long.
2. Do force yourself to stop looking backward and dwelling on the professional "train wreck" you have just been in.
3. Do allow yourself appropriate recovery--grieving time.
4. Do tell yourself, "I am going to stand and fight again," with the knowledge that often when things are at their worst you're closer than you can imagine to success.
5. Do begin planning for your next serious encounter.

Don'ts:

1. Don't ask, "Why me?"
2. Don't expect sympathy.
3. Don't bellyache.
4. Don't keep accepting condolences.
5. Don't blame others.