How do cope emotionally when you suffer a setback?
Everyone processes the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. But in the medical field, these may feel more impactful and could be an integral part of your training as a dentist. Consider what your best looks like, despite your professional setbacks or disappointments.
Taking setbacks in stride, analyzing what you could have done differently, and learning from the experience exhibits emotional maturity and growth. Being disappointed is normal and expected. But allowing your emotions to dictate your behavior and responses won't move you closer to success. Discuss with the interviewers how you typically cope with setbacks, what you learn from them, and how you recover and apply what you've learned to shore up your success in the future.
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen to everyone - despite their level of expertise or years of experience. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief internally, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."
