If there’s one thing creative people who have dared to go after their dreams know, it is that not all your ideas will work out. Failure is part of the process, and so is getting up again and rebuilding. It’s normal for plans not to work out exactly as anticipated, but the ability to move on from failed paths and having the strength to reconstruct your future is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest.

Here are some tips to help you understand the need for, and develop the skills to have, career resilience and flexibility:

Accept your Fate: The last step in the five stages of grief is acceptance – that is also the first step to moving on. It’s important to understand that as humans we cannot control everything that happens to or around us and acknowledging your circumstances is the first step to finding your way out. In sad times, it is easy to feel like the whole world is happy and blessed while we are brought down by bad luck, but it’s vital to remember that you are not alone. Everyone goes through good and bad times alike, and at times when you feel alone it can be useful to surround yourself with people who empathise and support. Support groups, can be extremely helpful in providing that supportive environment where you are given the opportunity not only to grieve, but also to recover and gain strength from your loss.

Make good use of Time: Taking a step back to look at the bigger picture can help bring your situation into perspective. Have the strength to give up when something isn’t working and take off some time for some rest so that you return to your project fresh and with renewed enthusiasm. Keep reminding yourself that ‘this will pass too.’ It’s important to take off the time after things go bad so that when you’re back at building up your business, or whatever you’re working on you have cleared your head from grievances. Give yourself that time to clear your head, gain perspective and then get back, after having learnt from your mistakes, with the mindset to succeed.

Learn to Change Tactics: Remember that business can be tough and not everyone will play fair, so be prepared to take down such people if and when need be. Sometimes you’ll have to play the games even if you don’t want and that’s where the need to be flexible comes in. Have the skills and mindset to ‘cross the bridge’ when you come to it, because not everything can be anticipated and planned for ahead of time.

Stay Focused: Keep striving towards your passions and goals because in this competitive world nothing comes easy. But people who are willing to work hard and maintain a clear vision of their goals achieve success. There is no knowing whether you’d reach your goals in 2 years or 12 years – a lot of variables depend on forces out of our control. So keep that in mind the next time you bring yourself down with the thoughts of ‘I wish…’

Lean In: When getting out of hardships and finding your way back onto your two feet, learn to reach out and say the important things. Even a young child isn’t fed until he/she cries out for it. Know what you need and aim towards it. Be vocal about your needs, learn to call up people who could help you and turn your downtrodden story into your success story. When you’re in a rut and trying to come out, there is no harm in asking for help. Find organisations or individuals who understand you, your story and your vision and bring them on board to help you on your journey to success. It can also be useful to participate in skill building workshops which will help you get back in the game with your new and improved self.

Don’t Lose Faith: Running a business can sometimes be like a game of chutes and ladders; sometimes you’re boosted up, sometimes you’re shot down and sometimes you just need to take your time to reach the top.