One Step Backward Two Steps Forward

As I sit here writing, I’m staring at my left foot. Several months ago, I injured the tendons in the ball of it. I was walking in a pair of shoes that I normally wear, but something was amiss and by the time I recognized I was experiencing constant pain, the damage was done.

I thought it would heal by itself over time (silly me), but after 5 weeks of gingerly walking and limping in a variety of shoes, I made a next day appointment with a podiatrist. He showed me how to wrap it with athletic tape (something new!), and warned me that if I wasn’t careful, I would need to wear a medical walking boot (yikes!).

Since I’m training to complete a half-marathon in October, this is an inopportune time for a foot injury. Thus, I’m keeping it taped and surprisingly my running shoes provide good protection and support (sandals and heels, not so much).

What’s my point here?

In life we’re taught to focus on making progress, always moving forward. But sometimes we misstep, injure ourselves, and must take one step backward, in order to take two steps forward. This is never what we want to hear, because society encourages us to move ahead quickly to reach our goals. We’re taught how to leverage power and influence, to market and communicate our accomplishments, and to focus on our strengths.

We’re introduced to others based on our status or position. We focus on career advancement, developing strategies for our roles and responsibilities, and emphasizing the products and services we deliver. We communicate this via business messaging, social media, social circles and community honors.

We enhance the visibility of our steps forward, but the reality is that sometimes we must pause and take one step back before we can truly make progress. To our colleagues, it may look like a failure or a weakness. Our egos may feel bruised, our self-confidence diminished. But frankly, it’s a healing moment. And anyone who hasn’t had one isn’t being truthful with themselves.

One step back may look like….
Regrouping from a failure. This could be job losses, product flaws, strategic missteps, financial distress, interpersonal misunderstandings and more. Sometimes these are painfully public, other times we suffer in private.

Resting from the challenges. Just as sleep is important to the human body, it’s critical for the journey of life. Time to pause and reflect; begin the healing processes.

Viewing the landscape ahead to craft a plan. Take time to observe your surroundings and identify potential options for moving forward.

Pivoting to a different and more effective direction. There are always multiple pathways to get to your goal. The most obvious one isn’t always the safest, most direct, nor might it align with your skill level.

Training it a bit differently this time, listening more closely to the advice of the pros for the leap. I mentioned I was training to complete a half-marathon. Even though it’s my second one, I now know more about the physical demands involved and the need to strengthen my body. I’m approaching.

Two steps forward…
It’s also a critical moment to position ourselves for the future. We can focus on progress, not speed by…

  • Laughing at ourselves. Sounds quirky but it eases the tension, reduces stress and puts life in perspective.
  • Recognizing our weaknesses. If feedback is our friend, we must understand those soft spots and find support to avoid re-injury.
  • Being open and adaptable to new possibilities ahead. Some days, we can only see a few feet ahead. Other days, maybe a mile down the road. But trust the process.
  • Being accountable to a colleague, coach or mentor for our actions.

Winning Gold!
US gymnast and three-time Olympian Simone Biles took a significant step back at the 2021 Tokyo games when she withdrew from competition because she had the “twisties”. She lost her sense of where she was in space and air while performing her twists. This was a serious issue both for physical safety and mental health reasons. She bravely fought through the criticisms and took a two-year break while she prioritized her health. She came back stronger than ever at the 2024 Paris Olympics winning three gold medals and one silver, for a lifetime total of seven golds, two bronze, and two silver.

One step back leads to two steps forward.

Copyright 2024 Priscilla Archangel.
Photo by Roman Mykhalchuk, iStock.