Fight Forward

In life, we are bound to face challenges, obstacles, and sometimes even opposition from others. I feel like the more content I ship into the world, the more I’m met with opposition and perspectives other than my own. Sometimes, my instinct is to fight back and defend myself, but it’s important to remember that there’s a better way to approach these situations, and this quote from the latest season of Ted Lasso sums it up nicely, “Don’t fight back. Fight forward.”

So, what does it mean to fight forward? 

It means taking a proactive approach to addressing challenges and working towards a better outcome. Thinking positively is not always an “easy” option, and I don’t really love that phrase, to be honest. But “thinking proactive”…that’s something I can get behind. 

Instead of getting defensive and reactionary, fighting forward means focusing on the goal and taking steps to achieve it, even in the face of adversity.

One of the most meaningful advantages of fighting forward is that it can turn a negative situation into an opportunity for growth and learning. When we respond to challenges with a proactive mindset, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and solutions that we may not have considered before. Instead of becoming stuck in a cycle of conflict, we can move forward with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

Fighting forward can also help us build resilience and strength. When we face challenges head-on and refuse to let them defeat us, we build a sense of inner strength and confidence that can serve us well in all areas of life. When we own up to our actions, we become more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever life tosses our way.

All of that said, please know that fighting forward is not about denying or suppressing our emotions, nor is it about being passive or accepting of negative circumstances. Instead, it’s about choosing to respond in a way that aligns with our values and goals, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.

So, how can we fight forward in our daily lives? Here are a few possibilities:

1. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems. When faced with a challenge, try to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem itself. It’s easy to spin in the problem, but the more you talk about it, the more you amplify it. Try asking yourself, “What is the next step I can take to move forward?”
2. Own Your Actions. Instead of blaming others or making excuses, take ownership of your actions and decisions. Doing so will help you feel more empowered and in control of the situation.
3. Practice Self-Love. When we’re faced with challenges, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. Take time to do things that make you feel good inside and help you recharge.
4. Seek Support. Fighting forward doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support. Sometimes another perspective can help us see solutions more clearly.

Fighting forward is a powerful mindset. So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge or direct opposition, remember–“Don’t fight back. Fight forward.”

In Episode 33 of The #RealJourneyShow I share some very real stories about how I had to fight forward after my father’s life was stripped from him. Warning…it gets super REAL. Tune into this 13-min episode by clicking the links below to listen or watch via YouTube.

Watch Ep 33 on YouTube