Stick #55: Repeated Setbacks (Slightly Unfavorable)
跌倒七次八次起，挫折教人更坚志。屡败屡战终有胜，莫因一跌弃前程。
Plain reading
Fall seven times, rise eight — setbacks forge stronger will. Victory may come after many defeats. Do not abandon your future because of one fall.
Interpretation
This is a slightly unfavorable lot titled "Repeated Setbacks." Fall seven times, rise eight — the image is of fighting again and again after defeat. The heart of the lot is "do not abandon your future for one fall": setback is not the end but the fire that tempers resolve.
Situation notes
- Career: Failed interviews or projects deserve review; fight again — experience is wealth.
- Relationships: Cracks may appear — sincere apology and changed behavior can mend broken trust.
- Wealth: If investment fails, accept the loss and leave; do not chase more to win it back.
Common misread
Auspicious tiers (such as Slightly Unfavorable) are tone, not a verdict. Name one action you control before redrawing.
Advice
After each failure, write one lesson and one improvement; do not repeat the same mistake. Celebrate small wins — even "today I did not fall in the same place again."
From the Zuo Tradition: Goujian "ten years to gather strength, ten years to teach the people." Defeated by Wu yet not quitting, he finally conquered with three thousand Yue warriors — repeated defeat can become final victory.
Related sticks
- Stick #54: Obstacles Everywhere — neighboring lot for tone contrast
- Stick #56: Peril on Every Side — neighboring lot for tone contrast
Editorial note: entertainment and cultural reference. Source last revised: 2026-09-14. See Methodology and fortune stick guide.