What’s in a Comeback Story?

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Mike Van Pelt, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

What creates a comeback story? We’ve all heard them; in fact, we gravitate to them. Whether it is recovery from a deadly disease, an athlete coming back from a severe injury, a story about someone overcoming all the odds to achieve success, we all want to hear the story. We want to learn, be inspired and root for the underdog.

What causes one person to come back from the depths of despair, while another person lives a life of quiet desperation? Why do some people achieve great success after tremendous loss, while others are willing to walk away defeated?

I’ve wondered about these questions for much of my life. I’ve seen many motivational videos, movies, speeches, and more, but the lingering question for me has always been what was the turning point for that person that changed everything?

The answers vary from one person’s story to the next because every situation is different. If comeback stories are so inspirational, why do they seem hard to achieve sometimes? The answer to that question seems to lie in the mystery of what that critical turning point is for each individual. I believe that’s what makes the comeback so special.

If you haven’t experienced a comeback story in your life, maybe you’ve lived a charmed life, perhaps you have never had anything go significantly wrong, or perhaps you’re oblivious to pain. I don’t think this describes the average person. I would dare say the average person has had several defeats, losses, or painful experiences that caused them to hit the reset button and start to live their comeback story.

So, what makes someone start to comeback after failure or loss? Is it grit, dogged determination, perseverance, the will to achieve, or a positive attitude? It’s likely combination of all those things, and more, based on each individual’s situation. Regardless of what the secret ingredient is that makes the comeback, the most important thing someone can do is take action to move in direction of “coming back”.

You are probably thinking this is easier said than done, and that’s another component of the comeback story that makes it so special. Knowing you moved in a positive direction to achieve success bit by bit, bite-sized chunk by bite-sized chunk, with blood sweat and tears, is all part of the story! Most people don’t “come back” from a significant defeat overnight, rather they take steps every day to learn from their mistakes and correct their course along their way to the comeback.

I’m not sure there is a formula for a comeback, but I do think there are 4-F’s that create the building blocks to move forward.

Face what’s in front of you. Easy? No. Essential? Yes. It’s hard to move forward if you don’t address whatever the “it” is you are dealing with, hurting from, or that is holding you back.
Faith – Going it alone is not an option! Release control and believe in the goodness of God. The reality is, you will be wounded in life somewhere along the way. Perhaps you are wounded right now and trying to come back. Listen to your heart and lead with God.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Prov. 4:23).

“You have made known to me the path of life” (Ps. 16:11).

3. Formulate a plan or strategy for your comeback. This may require seeking help or asking someone to walk alongside you to achieve success. Whatever it takes to create your comeback, be all in and figure out what, why, and how you will do it.

4. Move Forward. Get in a positive state of mind, surround yourself with supportive people, and stop at nothing to achieve your goals. Remember, even a small step in the right direction will help you reach your goals.

We all have a comeback story in us. There is no straight line to success. It takes work and it probably won’t happen overnight. If you have the right attitude and the heart to move forward with the 4 – F’s, your comeback story is attainable and achievable. And it will be a powerful story that other will want to hear!