We all screw up. We all make mistakes. We all fail. The difference lies in how quickly we return to ourselves—how quickly we get back on the horse, how quickly we regain our composure and mindfulness.
The first step in recovery is realizing that everyone makes mistakes. If you sit there self-flagellating—beating yourself up, browbeating yourself, downgrading and criticizing yourself—you will get stuck in a negative mindset and never move forward.
When you fail, say to yourself: “Not surprising. I’m only human.” Then get up, brush yourself off, and return to the path. Do not linger. Do not stew. Return to the path.
Persistence is what matters. Do not give up. Do not give in. Keep returning. If you fall seven times, rise an eighth. Eventually, persistence wins. Persistence overcomes failure.