Re-writing #1
In preparation for an upcoming speaking opportunity, I was searching for a cartoon or animated illustration of the old adage, “Two steps forward, one step back.” Much to my surprise, 95% of what I found inverted the phrase. I checked with my wife. She assured me that the cliche is actually “One step forward, two steps back.”
Huh. So this has always been a negative phrase about defeat, useless effort, and the programming of discouragement.
Well, I like mine better. If you take two steps forward and one step back, you’re always ultimately going forward and making progress. In my experience, there are also major setbacks (3 or more steps back) and also leaps and bounds forward (3 or more steps).
Unwittingly, I had always observed a re-written and positive version of the cliche. And so I shall continue. If you find yourself muttering less inspiring version of these words, I encourage you to deliberately re-write.
You don’t have to think what has always been thought or do what has always been done…especially if it only serves negative purposes. Yes, it is often painful to challenge what has taken up residence as the status quo in your mind. To acquiesce to lesser thoughts, though, is entirely unnecessary. As you notice unhelpful cliches floating around in your own cognitive clouds, re-write them to serve you better.
Two steps forward, one step back.
Worth Repeating
Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.
-James Michener
