If You’re Going to Withdraw, Retreat Forward
Not everything works out the way we envisioned it would.
Sometimes the best move is to admit that the goal is no longer attainable and to regroup.
But there are two ways to withdraw. One is to surrender. When we surrender, we acknowledge defeat and seek safety.
The other way is to Retreat Forward.
By stepping back, temporarily, in order to gain clarity and reassess priorities, we can ultimately move forward with greater purpose and effectiveness.
By Retreating Forward, we can eventually attack the goal from a different angle or with a different strategy. This idea emphasizes that stepping back is not a sign of failure but a necessary pause for growth and progress.
For example, consider the complexity of an organization attempting to achieve sustainability goals amid a shifting regulatory environment.
Rather than pouring more resources into an unsuccessful effort, perhaps the better choice is to Retreat Forward with the aim of setting more realistic and impactful long-term sustainability goals using a different set of investments and strategies.
The idea of Retreating Forward also applies to relationships, financial investments, careers, professional development, personal health, and just about any long-term focus or goal that might become derailed for good reasons.
Instead of quitting or abandoning the desired long-term outcome, it is often better to Retreat Forward and find a new pathway to the goal.
We can readily admit that sometimes it would be best to discard certain goals and long-term objectives. Giving up on a destination that is impossible to reach or less desirable than we once thought makes practical sense.
At other times, the relationship, portfolio, job role, skill acquisition, or even weight loss is worthy of our pursuit even if the current approach doesn’t work. Rather than ditch the goal, it might be better to Retreat Forward instead.
Starting over again from where you are but with a new strategy or approach can be reinvigorating. Restoring a vision by retreating forward and then setting a new course is always an option.
Good leaders know it is how they set the sails, not the direction of the wind, that charts the right course.
Thanks for the notes. I had similar experience recently as I am working in two different roles. I wanted to quit one role but deep down I felt it as a defeat but took the approach of trying with a different strategy.
Sincere gratitude to my managers and a colleague who guided me to pause and move forward.
Good morning,
Good stuff.
I am currently taking a database fundamentals course.
I had a relatively simple assignment: download some software. That night I was worn out from working the two jobs. I couldn't navigate the software, and was thinking I was going to have to drop the class. The deadline to withdraw with a full refund was a few days out. I messaged my advisor this. After this frustrating turn of events, I decided to sleep on it.
The next morning I was able to download the required software and make the post. Sometimes stepping away for a bit to gather our senses is the best approach.
Thank you for your time.