How I Bounced Back From a Big Letdown

I recently published my first book, Two Turns From Zero, and I was certain it was going to become a New York Times bestseller the week it came out. But after appearing on Good Morning America and becoming a top aerobics book on Amazon, it still didn’t hit.

I was crushed. I was deflated. I was really, really disappointed. You know the feeling.

When I found out I had not made the Times or the Wall Street Journal lists, I went blank — lost feeling in my face, felt my heart racing in my chest, and for the first time, thought maybe I had made a mistake in writing the book and putting myself out there.

I was wrong.

In the days after, that feeling of disappointment made me appreciate the little things so much more than I would have, had I coasted toward my goal. Each time I sat down to sign books and meet readers, I was lifted up a little bit more. Every moment of connection I experienced with a student in one of my SoulCycle classes felt that much brighter and more joyous. I never felt more proud of anything in my life — and I realized that disappointment is just an emotion, not a burden that I have to carry with me. Like all feelings, it passed.

Whenever you take a risk, you teeter on the line between success and failure. We all need to experience both. No one can be successful in every single thing he or she attempts — there will always be projects that didn’t turn out as well as we envisioned and relationships that seemed so promising but faded into memory. Even though disappointment can feel heavy and lasting while you’re in the moment, it is truly momentary. You learn from the experience and you carry on — toward new opportunities to succeed.

Next time, I just might make the list. But either way, I’ll be just fine.

Stacey Griffith is a senior master instructor at SoulCycle and the author of Two Turns From Zero. Stacey’s motivational coaching style combines a passion for dance, athleticism and mind-blowing music—all set to the beat of her voice. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.