Facts, Feedback & Filthy Narratives

You took the risk. Made the hire. Launched the idea. Hosted the event. And…it didn’t go the way you hoped.

It’s in those moments that disappointment can quickly turn into what Andy calls “filthy narratives”: I failed. I’m not good at this. Maybe I shouldn’t have tried.

But the facts and the story you’re telling yourself aren’t always the same thing.

So, what do you do when things don’t go according to plan?

• Pause — Don’t process everything while you’re exhausted. Give yourself time to reset.
• Separate facts from narratives — What actually happened, and what story have you attached to it?
• Invite wise counsel — Find people who will celebrate what worked, tell you the truth about what didn’t, and help you move forward.
• Ask God — Were we faithful? Were we obedient? What can we learn, and what is God saying now?

You don’t have to ignore what went wrong—but you also don’t have to let disappointment define the story. Learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.

Want to hear more? Listen to the full podcast episode and read the blog below.