EP 19: Why Is Stepping Back So Hard?
Sarah McVanel, MSc, CSP, PCC, CHRL, CSODP
Chief Recognition Officer | Canada's Recognition Expert | Professional Speaker | Coach | Author | 'FROG Lady'
Ever feel like you’re failing when you need to take a step back? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into why stepping back feels so tough—whether it’s switching degrees, leaving a management role, or losing progress on personal goals. Let’s get real about why we struggle with this and how it might not be as bad as we think.
Quote of the Week:
“Failure isn’t stepping back. It’s often an act of courage and bravery.” Sarah McVanel
Greatness Together Podcast Highlights:
In this episode, Simonne and Sarah talk about how we often feel like failures when we need to step back. We will unpack this mindset and explore how hitting pause or changing direction might be the best thing you can do for yourself.
Why We Hate Stepping Back
Let’s be honest: we all love progress. Going forward feels good. But when we need to backtrack, it can feel like we’re losing, not measuring up, or doing something wrong. This episode explores why our brains are wired this way and how we can challenge that thinking. And, practically speaking, Sarah shares how her clients are literally afraid to step back, and Simonne concurs with why it’s a trap of forward-focused momentum in academics, too.
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The Power of Pausing
We talk a lot about how stepping back can lead to growth and “the power of the pause,” yet when we have a meeting with ourselves, in reality, we don’t want to do it. So, how do we turn that around? How do we give ourselves and each other permission for “getting it wrong” to be a beacon of insight? How can we officially write a permission slip for the next time our inner knowing says, “Are you sure?” we can listen to it without judgment and reflect.
Whether it’s quitting a job, switching your major, or needing a reset on your fitness journey, sometimes a “step back” is just what you need to move forward even stronger.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or wondering if taking a step back is the right move, this episode is for you. It’s time to rethink what it means to hit pause and see the bigger picture.
If you found this episode interesting, check out this previous conversation on coping with disappointment.