Bouncing Back From Trouble


A Great Idea …

“People who make permanent and universal explanations for good events, as well as temporary and specific explanations for bad events, bounce back from troubles briskly and get on a roll easily when they succeed once.” (Psychologist Martin E. P. Seligman in his book, Authentic Happiness, p. 93)

In Other Words …

We all fail from time to time. But people who think they fail because of factors they can’t change, get discouraged-and fail lots more. In contrast, people who fail at something and recognize that they can change-that they will have better days or learn important lessons-are likely to fail less and succeed more.

When good things happen, we can make more good things likely by thinking:  “I’m lucky,” or “Things work out for me.” Such optimism leads to more success.

How this Applies to You …

When something goes wrong, look for things you can change. When things go well, look for the good things in your life that keep bringing you success.

To Find Out More …

For excellent (and free!) programs on improving your personal well being, check out The Personal Journey and Managing Stress at www.arfamilies.org.

For in-depth reading, we recommend Authentic Happiness by Martin E.P. Seligman or Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert.

Author: H. Wallace Goddard

Wally Goddard is a retired professor of Family Life having served in Arkansas and Alabama. He developed programs on personal well-being, marriage, and parenting. He is well known for his many creative family programs, including The Marriage Garden, The Parenting Journey, and Blueprint for Happiness. Wally has authored or co-authored several books including Between Parent and Child, The Soft-Spoken Parent, and Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage. He has been recognized by his colleagues with several awards including the Outstanding Family Life Educator Award. Wally and his wife, Nancy, have three adult children, fourteen grandchildren, and have cared for many foster children over the years. Wally describes Nancy as the finest human being he has ever known.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *