Life is full of unexpected challenges, and for young adults, these can often feel overwhelming. Whether it’s dealing with academic pressure, personal struggles, or navigating uncertain futures, setbacks are inevitable. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health states “resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties or change—to function as well as before and move forward.” Reboot Plus is designed to help students develop resilience through a supportive framework for growth, self-discovery, and skill-building.
Embrace Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
Reboot Plus helps youth build resilience through shifting how they view setbacks. Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, they are opportunities to learn, grow, and develop. Every setback can teach youth about themselves—their strengths, weaknesses, and what truly matters to them. Reboot Plus encourages students to see challenges as part of the journey, providing tools and resources to reflect on experiences and see the lessons within them.
Reboot Plus Insight: Through mentorship and guidance, Reboot Plus helps students turn challenges into learning moments, making it easier to find purpose in difficult situations and build a growth mindset.
Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Small Wins
Setting a small, achievable goals can provide direction and motivation and help youth get through a hard time. Breaking down large obstacles into manageable steps make processes less overwhelming. Each small win shows students that progress is possible. These moments add up to increased confidence over time. Reboot Plus encourages students to set goals that align with their interests and aspirations, and empowers them to see the progress they make along the way.
Reboot Plus Insight: Reboot Plus facilitators work with students to set personal and academic goals, guiding them to take steps that lead to meaningful progress and celebrate achievements, no matter how small.
Build a Support Network
No one needs to face challenges alone. A strong support network of friends, family, mentors, or peers can provide encouragement and perspective during tough times. This is why it is so important to build a support network and community. Talking to others who have faced similar struggles offers insight, comfort, and new ways to manage setbacks. At Reboot Plus, students have access to a community of mentors, peers, and program staff who understand the importance of support and are there when needed.
Reboot Plus Insight: Reboot Plus fosters a supportive community where students can connect with mentors and peers, building relationships that help them feel understood and supported.
Practice Self-Compassion and Take Care of Your Mental Health
When setbacks happen, it’s common to feel frustrated or blame yourself. Practicing self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness and understanding instead of self-criticism—can help you move past these feelings and approach challenges more constructively. One of the most consistent findings in research is that self-compassion is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression. Taking care of your mental health through activities like journaling, mindfulness, or simply taking breaks is essential. Reboot Plus emphasizes mental health and well-being, providing resources and creating an environment where students feel safe to express themselves fully.
Reboot Plus Insight: With a focus on well-being, Reboot Plus encourages students to take care of their mental health, offering support and resources that help them manage stress and build a positive self-image.
Learn Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Resilience also comes from knowing how to handle challenges practically. Developing problem-solving and decision-making skills allows you to approach setbacks with a clear mind and a structured approach. By breaking down problems, analyzing potential solutions, and making thoughtful decisions, youth can build confidence in handling adversity. Reboot Plus helps students practice these skills in real-world settings, making it easier to navigate complex situations with confidence.
Reboot Plus Insight: Through hands-on learning and real-world scenarios, Reboot Plus helps students develop practical problem-solving skills that they can apply in any situation.
Reflect on Past Setbacks to Build Future Resilience
Every setback overcome adds to a resilience toolkit. Taking time to reflect on past challenges 
reminds us of strategies that worked, strengths that were discovered, and the progress made. Reflections build confidence and remind us that we’re capable of handling difficult situations. Reboot Plus provides structured opportunities for students reflect on their journeys, offering valuable insight into how far they’ve come and helping them prepare for future challenges.
Reboot Plus Insight: Through guided reflection exercises, Reboot Plus encourages students to learn from their past experiences, allowing them to approach future setbacks with greater awareness and resilience.
Stay Focused on Your Long-Term Vision
Setbacks can make it easy to lose sight of your goals, but staying focused on the bigger picture can provide motivation during tough times. Setting a long-term vision helps put temporary setbacks into perspective. Reboot Plus encourages students to dream big and keep their long-term aspirations in view, reminding them that setbacks are just stepping stones on the path to success.
Reboot Plus Insight: Reboot Plus helps students identify and stay connected to their goals, fostering a sense of purpose and reminding them of the potential that lies ahead.
Building Resilience, One Step at a Time
Resilience isn’t built overnight—it’s a gradual process of learning, growth, and self-discovery. 
Programs like Reboot Plus provide tools, support, and resources that build resilience, especially during the critical years of young adulthood. With resilience, you’re moving forward with greater strength, insight, and determination.
Reboot Plus is a youth education and career development program delivered in partnership by Douglas College and PEERs Employment and Education Resources, with expansion to Fanshawe College and College of the North Atlantic.
Participants are vulnerable youth aged 17 to 24 who have not finished high school and do not have a plan for their future. The 16-week program helps participants identify their values, personality, interests and skills, meet with professionals and develop an education and career action plan.
The Reboot Plus project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada