Inspired by: Jim Rohn’s ideas on personal responsibility and the people you spend time with; Tony Robbins’ ideas on the meaning you give events, focus and decisions. Repackaged in our own words for UK founders.
No links in this guide are paid. New Business HQ is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Dan Martell, Tony Robbins, the Jim Rohn organisation or any author mentioned. Ideas are summarised and repackaged in our own words; short quotes are attributed with a link to their source.
Every business has setbacks. A quiet month, a customer who does not pay, a launch that falls flat. What matters most is not avoiding setbacks but how quickly you learn from them and get moving again.
Separate the event from the meaning
Tony Robbins teaches that it is not just what happens to us that shapes how we feel, but the meaning we give it. A slow month can mean “I’m a failure” or “my marketing needs work”. The first leaves you stuck. The second gives you something to do.
When something goes wrong, write down what happened in plain facts. Then write two possible meanings: the one your worry gives you, and a more useful one. Choose to act on the useful one.
Focus on what you can control
Robbins also stresses where you put your attention. In a setback, it is easy to focus on everything outside your control: the economy, the weather, a competitor. Instead, list what you can influence this week: who you contact, what you offer, what you spend, and how you follow up.
Take responsibility, without blame
Jim Rohn taught that taking responsibility for your results is where change begins. That does not mean blaming yourself. It means asking “what can I do differently?” rather than waiting for things outside you to change.
Run a simple setback review
- What happened? The facts, without judgement.
- What did I expect? Where did reality differ?
- What was in my control? And what was not?
- What will I try next? One or two specific actions.
- What did I learn? Write it down so the lesson stays.
Protect your cash during slow patches
Many setbacks hurt most because of cash flow. A few steps can soften the blow:
- Chase overdue invoices promptly and politely.
- Review regular costs and pause anything you do not need right now.
- Talk to suppliers early if you might struggle to pay. It is usually better than staying silent.
- Look at how quickly payments reach your account. Our guide to payout speed and cash flow explains why it matters.
If you are worried about debt, free, impartial help is available from MoneyHelper, which is backed by the government.
Choose who you lean on
An idea often credited to Jim Rohn is that we become like the people we spend the most time with. During a setback, that matters even more. Spend time with people who help you think clearly and take action, such as other founders, a mentor or a local business group, rather than people who only reinforce your fears.
Decide, then move
Robbins describes moments of decision as the points where direction changes. After a setback, set a short deadline to decide your next step, then take it. Waiting for certainty usually means waiting too long.
A first-year example
Hannah opened a small gift shop in Shrewsbury. Her first January is very quiet and she starts to wonder whether she made a mistake. She writes down the facts: footfall is low across the high street and her online shop has barely been promoted. She decides the useful meaning is “I rely too much on walk-in trade”. She talks to two other shop owners, who say January is often quiet. She spends the month photographing products, setting up click-and-collect and planning a Valentine’s promotion. February is better, and she has a plan for next January.
When it is more than a setback
If a setback leaves you feeling hopeless or unable to cope, please talk to someone. Your GP can help, Mind has information and support, and Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Keep a wins file
When things go wrong, it is easy to forget everything that has gone right. Keep a simple “wins file”: kind messages from customers, your first sale, a problem you solved. Add to it every week. On hard days, reading it reminds you that one bad month is not the whole story.
Learn from people who have been there
Rohn put a lot of emphasis on learning from others’ experience, through books, mentors and conversations. Most founders have been through similar setbacks. Ask an experienced business owner what their hardest first-year moment was and what they did next. Free mentoring is often available through local business support services and enterprise networks.
Your setback checklist
- Write down the facts, then choose a useful meaning.
- List what you can control this week.
- Run the five-question setback review.
- Take one step to protect your cash flow.
- Talk to at least one supportive founder or mentor.
- Set a deadline for your next decision.
Further reading
If you want to go deeper, these books cover the original ideas (we earn nothing if you buy them):
- Jim Rohn, The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle
- Tony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within
More free guides
- Founder mindset & confidence
- Time management & focus
- Avoiding burnout & wellbeing
- Money confidence for founders
- Building good habits
- Goal setting for your first year
- Fitness & nutrition for busy founders
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Last updated 29 October 2026. General information only, not professional advice.