Thomas Oppong/ Ladders | We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths

Sometimes, It’s Necessary To Take One Step Back To Move Forward

MotivationJanuary 23, 2023

Thomas Oppong/ Ladders | We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths

At the start of the year, everyone tries to be focused and energized to enter into the year with a bang. However, today we want to speak about the opposite: taking a step back. “Take a step back, assess what is essential, and appreciate life.” — Teri Garr

Sometimes we all get a bit too wrapped up in daily life and feel out of control, which may leave us feeling awful about ourselves! It is imperative that when we reach (or approach) such a place, we take a step back and begin to feel good about ourselves again since if we don’t value ourselves, how can we expect others to?

Emily Filloramo/ Pexels | When you bring peace to your past, you can move forward to your future

It currently appears to be an accepted societal standard that being busy inevitably equals success; thus, many aspire to be busy. But perhaps for some, or at certain times, such hectic routines can be all wrong.

The importance of knowing how to take a step back

Having to take a step back is not a typo; it is an exercise in wisdom. Understanding it this way would help us manage our mistakes, disappointments, and those inflections of destiny where it is necessary to drop our heads, gather pride and breathe a healthy dose of serenity and humility.

Indeed, it is not simple, and every time we have been compelled to back down, we have done so with shattered principles and broken emotions. If we feel this way, it is due to how we have been educated and to all that the contemporary culture provides us, so preoccupied with competition, the capacity to reach our objectives.

Similarly, it should be highlighted that a portion of psychology is also responsible for this view. Progression is connected with healing and achievement; it is the inevitable outcome for those who, with courage and resolve, conquer peaks without giving up.

Stock Photos/ Dreamstime | The only thing a person can ever really do is keep moving forward

They have led us to believe that everything of value lies ahead; only those who move in that direction are happy and ultimately victorious. Now, what lies behind us also frequently includes an entire treasure of knowledge.

A successful career is never achieved in an ascending trajectory. Often, you have to fall back and take a step back to acquire more perspective and then become aware of many things. This knowledge is really valuable.

Bottom line

The mind is a powerful thing—it adapts to growth, which can ultimately lead to greater achievement. Allowing oneself sometimes to take a step back is a crucial component of this process. These moments of relaxation and introspection will make you feel more mentally healthy and help you frame your thoughts correctly, helping you approach everyday difficulties and obstacles with initiative.

Stock Photos/ Dreamstime | You are always a student, never a master

Whether meeting with friends, engaging in mindful meditation, reading a new book, watching your favorite television show, or going for a stroll, engage in the activities you like or love. It will not only divert you from what is bothering you but also make you feel much better.

Just take a step back; these are the simple words we all need to be reminded of from time to time, especially during times of change and difficulty. We tell ourselves a daily narrative that the busier we are, the more impressive we appear. This is the time to alter everything.