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Why Progress Often Feels Backwards (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Progress is a curious thing. It promises a straight, upward climb, a steady march toward a better version of ourselves. But in reality, it often resembles the clumsy attempts of a toddler learning to walk—two steps forward, one step back, and the occasional unplanned dive into the coffee table.
It’s messy, unpredictable, and rarely follows the linear trajectory we imagine. Yet, here’s the truth we often forget. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, moving forward means stepping backward or moving sideways, and that’s not a flaw in the process—it’s a feature.
The Backwards Snowflake
Imagine progress as a snowflake. Every flake is unique, intricate, and wholly unpredictable. Your journey toward growth and success is just as one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re striving to launch a business, improve a relationship, or master a new skill, the path will never be as straightforward as you hope.
Unexpected detours, false starts, and perceived failures are inevitable. They don’t mean you’re failing; they mean you’re moving. And movement, even in the “wrong” direction, is better than stagnation. The key is understanding that progress isn’t defined by perfection but by persistence.
Think about it: short-term setbacks often serve as the best teachers. They force us to reassess, refine, and recalibrate. What feels like a failure today may be the very thing that strengthens your foundation for tomorrow.
Vision: The North Star of Progress
The secret to navigating the messiness of progress lies in having a clear vision—a compelling picture of your desired future. This vision is your North Star, the guiding light that keeps you oriented when the journey feels chaotic.
When setbacks arise, reconnect with your vision. Imagine your ideal life: the relationships, the accomplishments, the purpose you want to fulfill. Remind yourself why you started and where you’re headed. The clarity of your vision will help you endure the short-term frustrations and maintain focus on the long-term destination.
Practical Tip: Write your vision down. Whether it’s a detailed five-year plan or a single inspirational phrase, putting your goals in writing is a proven way to strengthen your commitment. Seeing your dreams in black and white can re-ignite your motivation on even the toughest days. I did this for myself with a large vision board. It had all sorts of dreams. Not much happened right away, but now I look back and all the things I wanted eventually materialized!
The Myth of Linear Progress
We live in a culture that idolizes efficiency, speed, and constant upward momentum. But nature tells a different story. Seasons cycle. Rivers twist and turn. Even the moon waxes and wanes. Why, then, do we expect our own growth to be a straight line?
The reality is that progress often moves in loops, zigzags, and spirals. It can be hard to see the bigger picture when you’re focused on the day-to-day grind. But when you zoom out, you may notice that even the backward steps are part of a larger, forward-moving pattern.
Navigating Backward Progress: 3 Rules to Live By
- Reframe the Setbacks
When things don’t go as planned, shift your perspective. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?” Backward steps often reveal blind spots or opportunities you missed the first time. - Measure the Big Picture
Instead of fixating on daily outcomes, take a broader view. Ask yourself, “Am I closer to my vision today than I was a year ago?” Progress is easier to see over months and years than it is over hours and days. - Celebrate Every Step
Every step—forward, backward, or sideways—is proof that you’re in the game. Celebrate the fact that you’re showing up, learning, and moving, even if the movement isn’t always graceful.
Lost in the Days, Winning in the Years
We’ve all had those days—or even weeks—when nothing seems to go right. Your plans unravel, your efforts fall flat, and you wonder if you’re wasting your time. In those moments, it’s easy to feel defeated, to lose sight of the bigger picture.
But here’s the question that matters most: Are you better off now than you were five years ago? If the answer is yes, then you’re winning the long game. Life isn’t about conquering every single day. It’s about stacking those days into a meaningful legacy.
The Long Game Wins
Progress, in all its messy, imperfect glory, is a testament to your resilience. It’s not about getting everything right the first time. It’s about showing up, learning from the missteps, and staying committed to the vision that drives you.
So, if you feel like you’re moving backwards today, take heart. Trust the process. Lean into the lessons. Remember that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Every step, no matter how small or circuitous, is moving you closer to the life you’re meant to live.
This perspective on progress isn’t just an idea—it’s an invitation. An invitation to embrace the journey, detours and all, with grace and determination. Because, at the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is that you keep moving.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon. Through 2025, all proceeds will be donated to charity.
