What do you do when you fall off the wagon?

I know falling off the wagon is usually associated with drinking or other substance abuse, but you can also fall off the wagon in other areas of life.

When you set out to accomplish a goal and fail, it’s very easy to get down on yourself. It’s the perfect opportunity for your inner critic to take center stage and remind you of all the other times you’ve tried and failed and that you’re potentially doomed forever. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In professional recovery programs, there are steps that they recommend to get individuals back on track, aka, back on the wagon.

Let’s look at a few of the steps.

First and foremost is to be gentle with yourself. While I can’t tell you how you go about being gentle with yourself, I can say that this is the most crucial step. Constantly berating yourself for not living up to your own or someone else’s standards is highly detrimental to your mental wellbeing. Learn to let go of perfection.

The next step is to seek help. You don’t need to get professional help unless, of course, you want to, but finding a person you can confide in or hold you accountable when you’re struggling to stay on track can be a game-changer.

Lastly, take small steps. Consistency is key. While you might occasionally stray off track, you’ll still be directionally correct. Think of it this way. If you spent too much money one day, you wouldn’t set your savings on fire.

So, the next time you find yourself falling off the wagon, be kind and remind yourself you’re human. And find someone to help you get back on track. Remember, being on the wagon can be precarious, but it’s a place you need to be so that you can reach your desired destination.

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, please share it with one person you love.