When Setbacks Hit: How to Stay Resilient When Plans Fall Apart

At the end of last year, I was in full planning mode—lining up speaking engagements, preparing my content, and locking in the final details. February was shaping up to be a huge month, with four incredible talks scheduled.

And one of them had me especially excited.

I had secured an online speaking spot for a major global brand and their women-in-business network—an international audience, a powerful platform, and a chance to connect with so many incredible women.

I was thrilled.
I was grateful.
And I was ready to deliver my absolute best.

I spent weeks prepping my speaker assets, refining my content, and counting down the days. And then the email arrived.

“Your session has been cancelled.”

My heart dropped.

They had decided to cancel the entire program—the exact month I was scheduled to speak.

I couldn’t believe it. I had been floating on cloud nine, imagining the impact this talk could make… and suddenly it was gone.

And then—just a week later—another cancellation.

One by one, my engagements started dropping like flies.

With a heavy heart, I sent off some thank-you emails and shifted my focus to the next talk on my calendar. I was determined to show up even stronger—to pour all my energy, intention, and purpose into the people in the room.

And while I delivered with everything in me, the sting of those lost opportunities still lingered.

But here’s the truth:
Sometimes, this happens.

As speakers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, we will face setbacks. Things won’t always go to plan. Sometimes the doors you were excited about will close without warning. Sometimes the opportunities you were counting on will disappear.

And in those moments, we have two choices:

🔹 Let disappointment keep us stuck.
🔹 Or build the resilience to bounce back stronger.

I won’t pretend I didn’t feel frustrated, deflated, and annoyed. I absolutely did. But I also knew I couldn’t stay in that space for long.

Cancellations, setbacks, and unexpected changes are part of the journey.

What defines us is not the setback—it’s how we rise from it.

So if you’re moving through unexpected changes or disappointments right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. And I invite you to ask yourself:

💡 What’s next?
💡 Where can I shift my focus?
💡 How can I use this moment to come back even stronger?

Because challenges will come. Detours will happen. But your willingness to adapt, pivot, and stay committed to your mission?

That’s where your power lies.

Keep going, my friend. Your moment is coming.

Much love,
Casey xx