From Setbacks to Success: How To Turn Change Into Opportunity

Sarah Wells’ Blueprint for Success in Change with High Performers

Change is messy. It’s unpredictable, overwhelming, and often arrives exactly when you think you’ve found your rhythm. As a 400m Olympic hurdler, I’ve literally made a career out of leaping over obstacles – and trust me, hitting a few hurdles along the way is expected. Through countless setbacks and successes, I’ve discovered that when the ground shifts beneath you,  it’s not a threat, it’s an invitation to excellence.

 Many leaders, when faced with uncertainty, immediately doubt their ability to handle the change. They ask, “How is this even possible?” But the highest performers approach change differently. They flip their focus from “Why can’t I?” to “What can I?”

Allow me to share my three-step game plan to help you thrive when life throws a curveball:

Step 1: Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

When I fractured my femur a year before my first Olympics, every voice around and within me screamed that it was over. But instead of dwelling on why it couldn’t happen, I chose to explore what I could still make happen. 

Wondering “What if the goal was still possible?” opened  a mental  space for action and propelled me toward my Olympic debut.

As a manager navigating corporate change, you might feel like you’re in a tight spot, believing the obstacles are insurmountable. If so, instead of fixating on limitations, flip your focus. Ask yourself, “What part of this is possible?”

You might not control everything, but identifying the small areas of influence will ignite your power to move forward. Remember, momentum isn’t born from perfect control, it’s created through possibility and tiny actions.

Step 2: Use Setbacks as Setups

One of my career’s most powerful moments wasn’t qualifying for the Olympics, it was missing out. At the 2016 Olympic trials, finishing fourth when I needed third seriously stung. But instead of letting that loss be the end, I used it to fuel a new path. That experience has since inspired thousands of people through my speaking, more than any medal ever could, because it showed me (and others) how setbacks shape us.

When your team faces disappointments, like a missed goal or a lost deal, lean into them with curiosity. They might reveal gaps in your approach or strengths you didn’t realize you had. Celebrating and learning from setbacks isn’t just positive thinking, it’s a strategic advantage to motivate high performers.

Today’s frustration might hide tomorrow’s victory.

Step 3: Embrace Pressure as Your Ally

We often label pressure negatively, as something to avoid at all costs. But, think about the moments you’ve delivered your absolute best. Chances are, they came under pressure. Pressure isn’t just stress; it’s a sign that you’re in the game, doing something meaningful. 

In my races, pressure focused my mind, heightened my senses, and elevated my performance. It wasn’t something I feared, it was my signal to go all-in.

So, when you face high-stakes meetings, deadlines, or changes, remind yourself: pressure means it matters. Take a deep breath, acknowledge it, and let it sharpen your focus. Shift your mindset from anxiety to excitement by trusting your preparation and expertise. Pressure isn’t a flaw, it’s your catalyst for excellence.

The next time the ground shifts beneath you – and it will – remember these three steps: challenge your limiting beliefs, use setbacks as setups, and embrace pressure as your ally. As leaders, it’s not just about weathering change; it’s about using that change as your springboard to excellence. 

If you’d like to learn more about me, contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau today!

By Sarah Wells, Olympian & High Performance Keynote Speaker