Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes it might feel like you’re never going to bounce back from failure.

But banish self-doubt because everyone knows a few false starts will actually help you in the long run. Here are some helpful life hacks to make sure you bounce back:

1. Do Something New to Better Yourself

Just because you didn’t succeed with your initial goal, shouldn’t stop you from getting back out there. But sometimes we all need a little breather from that initial goal, just to gain perspective/lose some of the anger and fear that often goes hand-in-hand with defeat. So let’s say you didn’t get the job you were sure was yours, instead of kicking yourself while you’re down, get your head into a different space. Enroll in a community college class where you can learn new skills that will help beef up your resume. Don’t know Photoshop? A couple of months and you’ll have a brand new and much lauded skill to show future employers.

2. Be Realistic

It’s not possible to get what you want all of the time. No matter what it looks like from the outside, no one leads that charmed of a life. So take into account all of the things that have gone right, and you’ll feel much better about the one thing that didn’t. Make a list if need be.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

Just as we said above–no one’s life is exactly how it appears on Instagram. Remembered you’re looking at everything through a filter, and folks tend to not let the bad stuff seep through. You’ve probably heard that comparison is the thief of joy, and it’s true. If something doesn’t go your way, don’t sit around wondering why your best friend’s life seems to be going swimmingly, while yours is still in the sewer. Your life is yours and yours alone. If you need to compare, compare you today, to you five years ago. Even if it doesn’t seem so initially, you are probably leaps and bounds above where you think you are. Seeing how far you’ve come is invigorating.

4. Realize That Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day

Success takes time. So once you’ve taken a step back and engaged in something new– like that Photoshop class– immerse yourself once again. No one said achieving your goals would be easy. Persistence is paramount to success.

5. Be Willing To Laugh At Your Mistakes

Don’t let the mistakes you make or the failures you encounter own you. Only you have the power to let that happen. So, when something doesn’t go your way, do something silly. Head to the park, grab a swing and pump those legs. By the time you head home, you’ll be ready to face whatever challenges greet you there. Embracing your inner child will make loving your current adult all the easier.