Leadership coach Amy Shoenthal’s TED Talk introduces the Setback Cycle, a framework designed to turn setbacks into success.
Her insights are not only transformative but directly applicable to the ups and downs of the real estate profession.
Amy explains that the first phase of the cycle is to establish you’re in a setback.
While some setbacks hit like a hammer, (a lost listing or a failed deal are prime examples), others creep in subtly.
Perhaps you’ve lost enthusiasm for your work or feel stuck in the same routine.
Amy’s Alarm Clock Checklist offers a simple yet powerful tool: ask yourself daily what energises you and what disengages you.
For real estate agents, this exercise could uncover valuable insights.
Are you thriving in client-facing roles but drained by admin tasks? Are you inspired by luxury listings but bogged down in low-inventory markets?
Identifying these patterns can clarify whether you’re in a setback and pave the way for meaningful change.
The next phase, embrace, is about reframing discomfort. “This is the hardest phase because it requires us to get uncomfortable,” says Amy.
Discomfort often accompanies setbacks, but instead of avoiding it, Amy encourages embracing it.
“It’s in those dopamine dips where the transformation happens.”
Neuroscience supports this: the brain’s response to setbacks fosters mental flexibility and resilience, much like exercising a muscle.
In real estate, discomfort might mean adapting to new technologies, exploring unfamiliar markets, or reassessing long-held strategies.
For example, an agent struggling with digital marketing might feel out of their depth but could ultimately discover that mastering these tools leads to more listings and greater reach.
Embracing discomfort is the first step toward growth.
Once discomfort is acknowledged, it’s time to explore by cultivating community.
“The best thing you can do in the explore phase is cultivate your community,” Amy advises.
Networking isn’t just about landing the next client; it’s about building a constellation of connections that support and inspire you.
“Sometimes it is your community who sees how amazing you are before even you do,” she adds.
For real estate agents, this phase could mean reconnecting with past clients, reaching out to mentors, or collaborating with industry peers.
A single referral or partnership can open doors to new opportunities. Amy’s practical advice? Before scrolling through your phone at night, send a quick text or message to someone in your network.
Over time, these small actions can yield significant results. Amy’s own story exemplifies this phase.
After losing her job, she leaned on her network to secure marketing clients and build a thriving business.
Her community’s faith in her abilities helped her reframe her narrative, turning a setback into a stepping stone.
Finally, the emerge phase is where the transformation is complete.
Emerging from a setback is exhilarating but requires deliberate action.
“You have the tools. Now you need to decide what to build,” Amy explains. For real estate agents, this phase is about applying lessons learned to achieve greater success.
Maybe it’s refining your marketing strategy after a campaign underperforms or leveraging feedback from a client to improve future interactions.
Amy also emphasises the importance of rest in this phase. “Sometimes after all the introspection, strategising, and exploration, you’re a little exhausted.
Take the rest. Recognise any barriers and give yourself the grace to step around them.” Rest isn’t a weakness; it’s preparation for the next chapter.
Amy asserts that “setbacks set the stage for reinvention.” The resilience and creativity born from setbacks can redefine a career.
Neuroscientist Chantel Prat told Amy, “People who have gone through more setbacks are better at problem-solving, reasoning, and logic. They can course-correct more easily.”
In real estate, where adaptability is key, these qualities are invaluable. Consider an agent who loses a major client. Initially, it feels like a crushing blow.
But by reflecting on what went wrong, seeking advice from colleagues, and refining their pitch, they emerge stronger and more prepared for future opportunities. The setback becomes a turning point.
The Setback Cycle isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap. For real estate agents, its four phases provide actionable steps to navigate challenges and come out stronger.
Recognise when you’re in a setback, embrace discomfort, lean on your community, and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.
As Amy concludes, “Your metamorphosis is complete.” Setbacks aren’t the end of the story. They’re the beginning of a new chapter.
For real estate professionals, this perspective can transform challenges into opportunities, making every setback a stepping stone to success.
