For young people
How do I bounce back after failing?
Failure isn't the end of the story, it's part of it. Pause, ask yourself what your next move is, and talk to yourself in a way that keeps the story open.
The reset question
Next time something doesn't go your way, run through:
- What has happened?
- What is happening right now?
- What is my next move?
You're not solving everything. You're just taking the next step.
Add "yet"
Psychologist Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset shows how much self-talk matters. "I can't do this" is a verdict. "I can't do this yet" is a process.
It still hurts, and that's OK
This isn't about fake positivity. It's about not turning one setback into a final statement about who you are.
From Chapter 8, "Failure Isn't Final".
Quick answers
What if I failed something important, like an exam?
It feels huge now. Focus on the next move, and talk it through with someone you trust.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.