Stumbling Forward: Turn Missteps into Momentum
Oh no, it happened—that one thing we promised ourselves we’d never let happen ever again! And there it is, staring back at us like spilled Starbucks on a white Lacoste polo. It’s okay; it was a vanilla latte. Let’s talk about those missteps that trip us up on our climb toward our goals and, more importantly, how we can recover.
Life happens. Maybe it’s a few assignments that didn’t make it in on time, or perhaps it’s a thank-you note left unsent after a job interview. These moments can feel heavy, but they’re often why people come to coaching in the first place. Not because they want to beat themselves up over missed steps but because they want to figure out how to adjust and move forward.
Let’s dive into two common missteps.
The Homework Pile-Up 📄
A student realizes they’ve let a few assignments slip by. Now, the mere thought of logging into their online platform feels like staring down a tidal wave. Sound familiar? As a coach, I’d help them break this down. Maybe it’s about structuring time for unstructured work or separating DUE dates (when something’s required) from DO dates (when to actually work on it). It’s not about excuses—it’s about understanding patterns and finding solutions that stick.
The Unfinished Action Step 🚨
Then there’s the person who set out to send a thank-you note for a key interview but didn’t. The week snowballed, and now the perfect timing feels long gone. We’d examine the barriers—was it time? Awkwardness? We’d strategize a way to move forward, even if it’s not as timely as they’d hoped. Better late than never or even later.
Missteps don’t define us. What does matter is how we respond. Reflect honestly—what went wrong? But don’t fall into the shame trap. That spiral of self-blame can paralyze action, especially for those of us with ADHD.
Instead, aim for accountability without harsh self-judgment. Learn, adjust, and tackle the challenge head-on. Yes, even the messy damage control moments can yield progress. In 2025, we’ll be picking ourselves up and stepping forward. The climb to success is full of twists and turns, but I’m here to help you navigate every step.