What If It Doesn’t Go as Planned? Giving Yourself Grace When Things Get Messy

So, I Took the Leap… Now I’m in Free Fall?

You know that feeling when you finally make a big decision, take a deep breath, and step into something new, only to immediately think, Wait… what did I just do? Yeah, same.

I recently shared about embracing my own bravery, trusting myself, and taking a leap into the unknown. And while that all sounds very inspiring, let’s talk about what happens after the leap. Because honestly? It’s not always smooth sailing. Sometimes, it feels more like stumbling down a hill in slow motion, hoping you’ll eventually land on your feet.

Change is Exciting… and Also Terrifying

We love to romanticize new beginnings. The fresh start, the bold decision, the empowering “I’m doing this!” moment. But what we don’t always talk about is what comes next—the doubt, the fear, the oh wow, this is harder than I thoughtrealization.

Here’s the truth: Growth is not a straight line. It’s more like one of those squiggly, chaotic doodles that kids make when they’re figuring out how to hold a crayon. And that’s okay. Just because things don’t feel smooth doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

When in Doubt, Be Kind to Yourself

It’s easy to be our own worst critics when things don’t go perfectly. Maybe I made the wrong choice. Maybe I should’ve waited. Maybe I should just go back to what felt safe. But before you go down that spiral, take a pause.

Try this instead:

✔ Remind yourself that discomfort = growth. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be a leap!
✔ Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend. Would you tell them they’re failing, or would you remind them they’re learning?
✔ Give yourself permission to struggle. Big things take time, and you’re allowed to figure it out as you go.

You Can Pivot, Pause, or Just Take a Nap

One of the biggest myths about taking a leap is that once you do it, there’s no turning back. But the reality? You can always adjust. Maybe you need to slow down, change directions, or just take a break before making your next move. That’s not failure, that’s being human.

And if today, all you can do is take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re trying? That’s enough.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

So, if you’re feeling a little lost, overwhelmed, or like things aren’t going exactly as planned, welcome to the club. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re just in the messy middle of something big.

Trust yourself. Keep going. And most of all, give yourself grace. 💛-Steph