Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

No matter how prepared or driven we are, there are times when things just don’t go as planned. Self-leadership is crucial to personal growth, but even with the best intentions, we can fall off track. So, what happens when leading yourself goes wrong? How do you turn things around?

1. Recognize and Own the Mistakes

First and foremost, acknowledge that something went off course. It’s easy to sweep our missteps under the rug or make excuses, but owning up to what went wrong is the foundation for making changes. Whether it was a decision that backfired, a lapse in discipline, or a lack of preparation, give yourself the chance to learn from it.

Tip: Self-leadership means taking responsibility. Start by asking yourself questions like, “What didn’t go as planned?” or “What could I have done differently?”

2. Avoid Getting Caught in Guilt or Shame

It’s common to feel frustrated or even ashamed when we fall short of our own expectations, but staying stuck in those feelings won’t move us forward. While accountability is essential, dwelling on what went wrong can easily turn into self-criticism, which can sap motivation.

Tip: Give yourself grace. Mistakes are a normal part of growth. When you acknowledge them without judgment, you give yourself space to move on and try again.

3. Revisit Your Vision and Purpose

When leading yourself off track, it’s time to realign with your purpose and goals. Why did you start on this path? What were you hoping to achieve? By reminding yourself of the bigger picture, you can reignite your motivation and get a fresh perspective on the situation.

Tip: Write down your vision and purpose, and keep them where you can see them daily. When things go sideways, revisit these to remind yourself why you’re pushing through.

4. Evaluate and Adjust Your Strategy

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the goal but the method we’re using to achieve it. Self-leadership means being flexible and willing to adapt when things aren’t working. Review your approach to see if there are more effective or efficient ways to reach your goal.

Tip: Make a list of what worked and what didn’t in your current strategy. Based on that, brainstorm a few alternative approaches to get you back on course.

5. Refocus on Small, Actionable Steps

It’s easy to lose momentum when we feel like we’re far from our goals. Getting back on track starts with taking small, manageable steps that build confidence and create steady progress.

Tip: Break down your larger goals into bite-sized steps. Instead of focusing on the entire journey, concentrate on what you can accomplish today. Each small win builds momentum.

6. Seek Support and Accountability

Self-leadership doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Sometimes, reaching out to others for feedback, guidance, or encouragement can make all the difference in getting back on track. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a group of like-minded individuals, support systems help keep you grounded and motivated.

Tip: Find someone you trust to share your goals with. Not only does this create accountability, but it can also give you a fresh perspective on how to tackle your challenges.

7. Learn from the Experience

Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Leading yourself effectively requires a growth mindset, which means seeing failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Ask yourself what this experience taught you, and carry those lessons forward.

Tip: Keep a journal of your reflections on what went wrong and what you learned from it. Reflecting on past mistakes is one of the best ways to avoid repeating them.

8. Build Resilience Through Consistency

Consistency is the backbone of self-leadership. Building resilience isn’t about never failing; it’s about bouncing back stronger each time you do. By committing to regular, purposeful actions toward your goals, you build the resilience to handle setbacks and keep moving forward.

Tip: Set daily or weekly routines that support your goals, even when motivation fades. When leading yourself, your routines serve as a foundation that keeps you steady, regardless of how many times you have to get back on track.

Moving Forward

When leading yourself goes wrong, the journey back can feel challenging, but with self-compassion, adaptability, and a clear purpose, you can bounce back stronger. Remember, each setback is just a step in your growth process. Mistakes don’t define you—they refine you.

Joy Junkie