An animated image of a person holding mechanic key trying to fix some issues. The background is transparent.

19 March 2023 8 Min Read

Progress Is Not Linear - Take One Step Back to Move Two Ahead

‘Two steps forward, one step back’ refers to a setback following progress. Usually, people perceive it negatively and link it to individuals who have trouble moving forward. “They will never succeed, they cannot maintain consistency, and they always fail after improving.” Wrong! What if you switch it around?

Note

As always, it all comes down to perspective.

‘One step back, two steps forward’ adds a positive aspect to the equation. It entails that a misstep can make you come out stronger and better than ever. Moreover, it highlights that progress is not linear.

So, let’s talk more about growth. Are setbacks a part of the process? And what does it mean when you take a step back? Can you use it to your advantage? First things first, let’s put things into perspective.

Is Linear Progress Possible?

It might be if you are a robot able to project a consistent and predictable rate over time. But even machines project errors. And as we are all human, I would say linear progress is impossible. So regardless of how much you strive towards perfection, your journey will always consist of pushes and pulls. And that’s 100% fine.

It can happen due to external factors such as a change in circumstances or new challenges arising. However, internal factors, such as a shift in your goals, feelings, or priorities, can also lead to periods of little to no progress. Moreover, while you progress in one aspect, you might be falling behind in another. It’s nothing to worry about.

Sure, there are ways to increase your chances of linear progress, including proper planning, discipline, and motivation. But even with the right formula, you will usually misstep from your road at least once. Whether it’s an injury, a family vacation, or a natural disaster, something will probably strain you away from consistent progress.

What Happens When You Misstep?

Literally nothing. What if you make one wrong move? Does all your time and effort suddenly go to waste? Definitely not!

Do you see tennis players giving up after losing a point? No, they keep going.

Important

The biggest mistake you can make is believing that a single misstep means you have to start over. You don’t; you just need to continue where you left off.

You are still way ahead of the starting line. And life might just surprise you with a few “extra points” if you keep pushing forward instead of giving up.

Your Guilt Is Your Worse Enemy

See, I am one to speak as I have made this mistake a hundred times at least. On my weight loss journey, I often had setbacks. For example, if I decided to go on a protein-based diet and ate one candy, I would say: “Well, I already made a mistake, so why not eat them all? It doesn’t count”. And so, I did. My guilt tricked me into eating everything ‘bad’ I could. Then, I only felt guiltier, as if I was back to where I started – back to 0.

However, this is the worst possible approach. A single misstep then led to a whole bunch of setbacks, demotivating me further to progress. So, what if you eat a piece of candy? You have already lost ten pounds and are far ahead of where you started. Continue with the same diet you pursued before this occurred. And the following steps will make up for it.

Important

Setting your expectations too high and feeling trapped by guilt because of being unable to reach those standards could easily trick you into quitting your goals.

The same applies to your career. For instance, you might have failed to negotiate a good salary, missed opportunities for professional development, taken too many tasks you could not handle, or didn’t network enough.

Taking it to personal relationships, you didn’t set boundaries or rushed to criticize without trying to understand the other person’s perspective. You could have also taken too much debt, didn’t save enough money, missed your university lectures, didn’t get enough sleep or exercise; finances, education, health, and the list goes on.

Tip

It’s natural to feel guilty when you misstep. However, don’t hold on to guilt. Accept progress is not linear. Let it go and ask yourself, “Where do I go from here?”

How To Handle Guilt?

Missteps can occur in every area of life. So, it’s crucial to learn how to handle them. While it might be challenging, here’s what has helped me manage feelings of guilt when I have ‘ruined’ my progress:

Take responsibility for your actions, and stop blaming others. No one forced me to break my diet. And until I thought it was someone else’s fault, I could not progress on my journey.
Apologize if your actions have affected others. Did you overspend from the family budget just because? It will harm not only you but also your dearest ones. So, learn to say sorry and mean it.
Don’t dwell on bad feelings. Instead, analyze the situation objectively to learn from experience. Emotions can get in the way of reflection, so steer away from any negative energy. If it’s within you, find a way to overcome it.
Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and be kind to yourself. It’s not you. It’s all of us. It’s human to misstep, and linear progress exists only on paper or in your imagination. So accept it as it is, as part of progress.
Move two steps forward!

Vladimir Lenin said: “It is necessary sometimes to take one step backward to take two steps forward.”

The Japanese also have a valuable saying, i.e., “Fall seven times, get up eight.”

Wise individuals throughout history have taught us that no matter what happens, there should be no room left for giving up. Setbacks are part of progress, just as failure is part of life. The problem is not when you are moving too slowly toward your goals. It’s when you are not moving at all.

Important

Slow progress is still progress. Every step in the right direction counts, so it doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Should You Intentionally Take a Step Back?

Wait, wait, weren’t we talking about missteps? Well, here’s where the real magic happens. While life can throw everything at you so that you misstep from progress, you can also intentionally take a step back and turn it into a powerful strategy.

Intentionally taking a step back could entail taking time off of work, changing your routine, reducing your daily workload, or saying no to other commitments more often. It can also mean spending more time with friends and family or less on social media.

Either way – whether intentional or not – taking a step back is beneficial, and here’s why!

It Enables Reflection and Gives a Fresh Perspective

If you feel stuck or doubt how to move forward, taking a step back is the smartest thing you can do. It will help you grasp the bigger picture and identify new opportunities and ways to assess the situation. Because, after all, when we are stuck, we tend to hold on to one possible outcome and simply forget that life doesn’t work that way. There are always a few paths to reach one specific goal; you just need to find them.

Tip

Instead of forcing yourself to keep going when nothing seems right, be brave to slow down and reflect.

In no way does this mean that you are defeated and won’t be able to rise again. It only means you need some time off to rethink your options and rise even higher.

While reflection might seem easier said than done, I suggest you practice the following:

Make reflecting a priority. If needed, even schedule it in your calendar to avoid distractions from other tasks.
Practice being present at the moment. You can even set time for social media or phone use if that takes up too much of your time.
Nature is your best friend, so spend as much time as you can walking, hiking, or running in parks.
Wake up your creative side. You can paint, write, draw, compose, cook, or decorate; whatever you feel comfortable doing to explore new ideas.
Practice mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation and yoga or on your own.

It Helps You Avoid Burnout

It’s easy to lose track of what’s important in life, especially today with the ‘hustle’ mindset. You might feel physically tired or emotionally drained when you continuously push yourself to do more and achieve more. Whether it’s work or another activity, the effect is the same. You’ll feel less productive and motivated.

And it means only one thing – you need a break!

Taking a step back will help you avoid burnout, recharge and refocus your priorities, and maintain your well-being and healthy self. You’ll also reduce stress by relaxing and engaging in self-care activities and return with renewed focus and motivation.

It Helps Build Resilience

Finally, taking a step back can help you build resilience. It makes you stronger and more durable in tough times. It often leads to new ideas and creative problem-solving techniques in challenging situations. Moreover, it teaches you not to give up after the first obstacle you encounter. Instead, it helps you build a toolbox of coping skills to draw on in future challenging situations.

Important

Resilience is a crucial life skill that helps you bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new challenges of any kind.

Conclusion

As we come down, we can all agree that each path is filled with obstacles you need to overcome. So, don’t be afraid when life pulls you back. Instead, learn how to make the most of it. In the process, you might even realize that taking a step back does more good than harm – so you intentionally decide to do so.

Either way, my one final piece of advice would be to stay open to change. Life is often unpredictable, so you have to be prepared. And especially today. We live in changing times, so the best thing you can do is master the art of self and become flexible to change. It doesn’t have to be external; it can also refer to a change of heart. Accept it as is, and don’t limit yourself.

Making one step back to take two steps forward is not bad and should not discourage you. The sun will shine even brighter after the clouds clear from the sky. But to really experience and enjoy life, you also learn to appreciate the rain or navigate the stormy waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Progress is a positive force or the process of moving forward, developing, or improving in various aspects of life. It can refer to personal growth, societal or cultural changes, economic development, scientific and technological advances, or environmental sustainability. Different people and cultures have different definitions of progress.

Yes, you can plan progress, set clear goals, break them into smaller manageable steps, identify resources, establish a timeline, and monitor and adjust your plan as necessary.

Usually not. While progress can be linear, in reality, it’s not always a straightforward or predictable process. Planning is one thing, but the execution is another. Almost always, people experience setbacks, challenges, or unexpected changes along the way, keeping them away from continuous progress.

Yes, you can. Setbacks can provide a new perspective, open up opportunities, and help you learn from mistakes, grow and improve. You can also build resilience and return more motivated than ever.

Author:

The Logician

I love using my free time to write and express my thoughts. My blog is my safe space where I have the ultimate freedom to share what’s on my mind.

Trademark of a Living Legend

Find Your Fellow Associates

Support means everything, especially in the digital world. Expand your network and extend your knowledge - make sure to join the association!

Discover My Association

Progress Is Not Linear - Take One Step Back to Move Two Ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

The Logician

Recent Articles

Learn To Talk Less and Listen More: Unlock Your Potential

Your Brain Is Your Own Application: Program Yourself for Success

How Can Building A Business Network Change Your Life?

Being Busy vs. Being Productive: Debunking the Myth

The Art of Procrastination - Good or Bad?

Don’t Wait for Things to Happen – Take Action

Nothing Beats A Person Who Never Gives Up

Time Management – Control Your Most Valuable Resource

Discipline Is The Bridge Between You and Your Success

You Don’t Hate Mondays - You Hate the Routine

How to Face Your Fears? Effective Tips to Get Over A Fear!

How to Build A Legacy, Not Only A Fortune?

Life Doesn't Have an Undo Button: Face the Consequences

How to Let Go of Toxic People That Hold You Back?

Change Your Attitude To Change Your Future

Learn from Failure - It’s the Key to Success

Find Your Fellow Associates

Progress Is Not Linear - Take One Step Back to Move Two Ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

What is progress?

Can you plan progress?

Is progress linear?

Can I use progress setbacks to my advantage?

The Logician

Recent Articles

Learn To Talk Less and Listen More: Unlock Your Potential

Your Brain Is Your Own Application: Program Yourself for Success

How Can Building A Business Network Change Your Life?

Being Busy vs. Being Productive: Debunking the Myth

The Art of Procrastination - Good or Bad?

Don’t Wait for Things to Happen – Take Action

Nothing Beats A Person Who Never Gives Up

Time Management – Control Your Most Valuable Resource

Discipline Is The Bridge Between You and Your Success

You Don’t Hate Mondays - You Hate the Routine

How to Face Your Fears? Effective Tips to Get Over A Fear!

How to Build A Legacy, Not Only A Fortune?

Life Doesn't Have an Undo Button: Face the Consequences

How to Let Go of Toxic People That Hold You Back?

Change Your Attitude To Change Your Future

Learn from Failure - It’s the Key to Success

Find Your Fellow Associates