The Power of Perseverance: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

By: Mighty Oaks 

In life, we all face moments where it seems easier to give up than to keep moving forward. Whether it’s in our personal lives, careers, or relationships, challenges and setbacks are inevitable. But how we choose to handle those obstacles is what defines us. In a recent episode of the March or Die Show, Jeremy Stalnecker and Sean Kennard explored the vital role perseverance plays in overcoming life’s challenges, and how embracing failure can actually pave the way for success. In this blog, we’ll unpack some of the key takeaways from their conversation and explore how we can apply these principles in our daily lives.

1. Winning or Learning, Never Failing

One of the core messages in the episode was a powerful reframe of how we view failure. Rather than seeing failure as the opposite of success, Jeremy and Sean emphasize that failure is part of the path to success. The phrase, “I never lose, I either win or learn,” captures this mindset perfectly. Every setback becomes an opportunity to gain valuable insights, recalibrate, and grow stronger.

Too often, we allow failure to stop us in our tracks. We may feel discouraged or embarrassed, and the fear of future failure can paralyze us. But by adopting this mindset of learning, failure becomes less of a threat and more of a tool. As Michael Jordan famously said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Success and failure are not opposites; they are companions in the journey.

2. Pre-Decide to Keep Moving

One of the most practical strategies for perseverance shared in the episode was the importance of pre-decision. When we’re in the middle of a tough situation, it can be difficult to think clearly and make the right decisions. This is why Jeremy and Sean advocate for pre-deciding how you will respond when life gets tough. Whether it’s in relationships, at work, or in personal growth, making a plan for how you’ll react when challenges arise can prevent you from getting stuck when they do.

For example, you may pre-decide that no matter how hard things get in your marriage or at work, you will not walk away. You may decide that when faced with an obstacle, you will consult your community or seek advice from a mentor. Pre-deciding helps you to stay on course, even when emotions and circumstances might otherwise push you to give up.

3. Building a Supportive Community

Perseverance is not something we can do alone. Both hosts emphasized the role of community in helping us move forward when times are tough. Having a network of people who support and encourage you can make all the difference when you’re facing adversity. Surrounding yourself with those who share your values and vision can provide the strength you need to keep moving forward.

It’s also important to have mentors or friends who can speak hard truths into your life. As much as we need encouragement, we also need accountability. People who challenge us to stay the course, adjust our strategies, or even call us out when necessary are crucial to building resilience.

4. Embrace a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is about seeing every challenge as an opportunity for development. Instead of shying away from difficult situations, we should lean into them with the belief that we will grow stronger through the process. As Sean mentioned in the episode, one of the most valuable shifts in his thinking was learning to embrace failure as part of success. When you expect challenges as part of the journey, they become less daunting and more manageable.

In a world where so many people quit at the first sign of difficulty, developing a growth mindset is almost like a superpower. When you approach life with the belief that every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow, you’ll find yourself equipped to handle even the toughest situations.

5. Take the Next Step

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the episode was the simplest: just take the next step. When life becomes overwhelming, it’s easy to freeze, unsure of what to do next. But progress doesn’t always come in big leaps. Sometimes, it’s about taking that one small step forward. Whether it’s sending a text to repair a relationship, applying for a new job after a loss, or getting out of bed after a difficult day, the next step is all that matters.

You don’t need to see the entire path ahead. You just need to be willing to move forward, one step at a time. As Jeremy and Sean pointed out, perseverance is often about grinding through the tough moments, trusting that every small action builds momentum toward something greater.

Conclusion: March or Die

At the heart of the March or Die message is a clear choice: when faced with adversity, will you march or will you die? Life will present us all with moments where giving up seems like the easiest option. But perseverance requires that we keep marching, even when it’s hard, even when we’re tired, and even when we don’t feel like it.

By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, pre-deciding to keep moving, leaning on a strong community, cultivating a growth mindset, and simply taking the next step, we can overcome life’s greatest challenges. Remember, the choice is always yours: will you stay where you are and die, or will you march forward?

To watch the full episode: March or Die: Growth Mindset

Listen on Apple: March or Die: Growth Mindset

Listen on Spotify: March or Die: Growth Mindset