Alex Dombrandt confronted his World Cup heartbreak head on, examined where to improve and set straight back to work.
The No8 got leaner, Harlequins got meaner, and now the developing captain and the west Londoners are on the cusp of a big breakthrough.
Dombrandt was a Six Nations fixture and looked certain to be heading to the World Cup, only for England head coach Steve Borthwick to look elsewhere at the final hurdle.
The 26-year-old refused to shy away from those testing times, though, processing the emotional toll but also planning his practical response.
A sharper Dombrandt has struck top form this term, while Quins are busy adding a pragmatic edge to their fluent attack.
The most important thing is to be yourself, don't change just because you have that 'C' next to your name.
Last weekend's superlative 31-28 win at Top 14 leaders Racing 92 highlighted the extra focus for both Dombrandt and Quins, and hosting Toulouse at The Stoop on Sunday offers another proving ground.
"There's a reflection period at the end of every season, and I took a long look at myself on what areas I could improve," Dombrandt told Standard Sport. "The main thing was how many involvements I could have in a game.
"If I could become fitter, maybe a bit leaner, then that could contribute to me having more involvements. If I can up those involvements, then hopefully I can create things and make things happen.
"The off-season was massive for me. I went away, but didn't really have much time off training. I worked really hard and I feel like I put myself in the best position to knuckle down this season.
"It was a tough couple of weeks when I found out I wasn't going to the World Cup, but Quins were great with me. I got away, recharged the batteries, then when I came back in, my focus really changed. That's credit to the boys here who had set some big standards, because I had to step up."
Dombrandt rates last weekend's win in Paris as his third most memorable in Quins quarters, behind the Premiership semi-final and final triumphs of 2021.
Standing in as captain for the injured Steph Lewies, Dombrandt has grown his game through an extra leadership avenue. Danny Wilson's arrival as coaching co-ordinator has added structure and rigour, and Dombrandt has warmed to that added bite.
"When you're captain, it focuses the mind again," he said. "You can't say, 'I expect this' from another player and then not do it yourself.
"I've leaned on Steph and learned a huge amount from him, he's an exceptional captain and leader.
"I've tried to lead with my actions; it narrows your focus. The most important thing is to be yourself, don't change just because you have that 'C' next to your name.
"Danny has been fantastic in adding layers, detail and a hard edge. We never want to go away from the Quins DNA, but we definitely needed to improve areas like set-piece and defence. Danny was at Cardiff Blues when I was at Cardiff Met University, and we had chats about me possibly going to the Blues."
Borthwick met Quins' Test contingent for a catch-up two weeks ago, and while Dombrandt was coy on the content, a Six Nations recall would be just reward for his resurgence.
"You always come out of a meeting with Steve clear on what he wants from you, and that's all you can ask for," said Dombrandt. "Then it's up to you then to go away and put that into action."
Tickets for Harlequins' Big Game 15 men's and women's Twickenham double-header against Gloucester on December 30 are on sale now at: eticketing.co.uk/harlequins
