Progress Isn’t Linear
Progress isn’t linear. Setbacks are a normal part of the process. How we frame our setbacks or even prepare for them can help us grow and continue with our positive trajectory.
How can you prepare for a setback?
Practice how you frame a setback or “failure.” Criticizing yourself doesn’t generally work. It doesn't motivate you to continue with your new goal or habit.
A helpful way to talk to yourself: “I am proud of the progress I have made up. It makes sense that I would feel frustrated with my setbacks. I am willing to be curious about what might have influenced these challenges. Are there insights to gain from these challenges? If it is helpful, I will break down the current goal into smaller steps. This way, I can manage them more easily. No step is too small to have merit.”
Check in with yourself. Are you tired? Stressed? Not sleeping well? Do you need to ask for help to accomplish your goals? Do you need to break down the goal into smaller steps?
Tell friends, family, and loved ones (whoever you feel comfortable with) about the progress you’ve made.
Reflection Questions:
How do you talk to yourself when you face challenges?
What’s one way you can prepare yourself for a future challenge?
Have you ever found a setback actually moved you forward in the long run?