REBOUNDERS

Let’s face it: Setbacks happen, and failure is always a possibility. But here’s the good news: You too can bounce back to success.

Amazing success has been achieved by people who once fell flat on their faces. The secret lies in how we respond to life’s bumps and pot holes and unwelcome detours—from getting fired or losing a business to enduring a professional rejection or pursuing a passion that fails to pan out. Misfortune, it turns out, can be a springboard to success. Business journalist Rick Newman examines the rise and fall—and rise again—of some of our most prolific and productive figures across industries in order to demystify the anatomy of resilience. He identifies nine key traits found in people who bounce back that can turn a setback into the first step toward great accomplishment, including: • Setbacks can be a secret weapon: They often teach vital skills you’ll never learn in school, on the job, or from others. • There are smart ways to fail: Once familiar with them, you’ll be more comfortable taking risks and less discouraged if they don’t pan out. • “Defensive pessimism” trumps optimism: Planning for what could go wrong is often the best way to ensure that it doesn’t. • Know when to quit: Walking away at the right time can free the resources you need to exploit better opportunities. • “Own the suck”: When faced with true hardship, taking command of the pain and sorrow—rather than letting it command you—lays the groundwork for ultimately rising above it. In a challenging time of transition, Rebounders lays out the new rules for success and equips you with the tools you need to get ahead and thrive. Rick Newman is chief business correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, and frequent commentator on MSNBC, CNN, Fox, NPR, and other networks. He has written two books of military history.