Someone said to me the other day, “Two steps forward and one step back is still heading in the right direction.”
Such a simple concept, but it reminded me of how much negative self-talk some of us use when we have strayed from our absolute ideal. We have this concept that it has to be perfection or bust. And many of us choose ‘bust’ because perfection is pretty damn hard.
From the vantage point of heading in the right direction, suddenly there is less guilt, less conflict, less worry … and less likelihood of giving up.
From a diet point of view, you take the step backward and enjoy whatever you’ve decided to indulge in. At the next meal you’re back on track. No need to try to compensate for the indulgence—let it stand on its own. Just get back to your ‘best scenario’ food immediately afterwards.
Let’s face it. One step backward isn’t going to derail the train. It can even be considered as a breather from the relentless march forward.
And if you’re never prepared to take a step backwards, how will you ever learn the cha cha?