The Hidden Power of Starting Over: Why “I Literally Restarted It Yesterday” Is a Strength
We’ve all been there. You set a goal, create a plan, and dive in with enthusiasm—only to stumble, lose momentum, or hit an unexpected roadblock. Maybe it was a fitness routine, a creative project, or even a career pivot. Then, after days (or weeks) of silence, you say the words: “I literally restarted it yesterday.”
At first glance, this phrase might sound like a confession of failure. But what if we reframed it as a badge of courage? Restarting isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to grow. Let’s explore why embracing the restart is one of the most underrated skills in personal and professional development.
The Myth of Perfection and the Reality of Progress
Society often glorifies “streaks” and uninterrupted success. We celebrate influencers who post daily, entrepreneurs who launch businesses overnight, and athletes who train without missing a session. But behind the highlight reels, most meaningful achievements involve countless restarts.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, emphasizes that habits aren’t built on perfection but on consistency despite imperfection. Missing a day at the gym doesn’t erase months of progress. Forgetting to write for a week doesn’t negate the chapters you’ve already drafted. What matters is returning to the task, even if you have to say, “I literally restarted it yesterday.”
Why We Fear the Restart
Restarting triggers discomfort for two reasons:
1. The Shame Spiral: We equate starting over with failure, leading to self-criticism like, “Why bother? I’ll just quit again.” This mindset ignores the learning embedded in every setback. Each restart provides new insights—what didn’t work last time, what adjustments are needed, and how to approach challenges differently.
2. The Sunk Cost Fallacy: We cling to outdated plans because we’ve already invested time or resources. For example, sticking with a career path that no longer fits because “I’ve spent years in this field.” Restarting forces us to confront the truth: time spent isn’t wasted if it taught us what doesn’t align with our goals.
The Art of the Reset: How to Restart Strategically
Restarting isn’t about repeating the same actions and hoping for a different result. It’s about refining your approach. Here’s how to make your next restart more intentional:
1. Audit Your “Why”
Before diving back in, ask: Why does this matter to me? If your initial motivation was external (e.g., societal expectations), reconnect with intrinsic drivers. For example, instead of “I should lose weight,” focus on “I want more energy to play with my kids.”
2. Break the Cycle of All-or-Nothing
Extreme goals set you up for burnout. If you missed three days of meditation, don’t vow to meditate for an hour daily. Start with five minutes. Small wins rebuild confidence and momentum.
3. Celebrate Micro-Comebacks
Every time you restart, acknowledge it as a victory. Text a friend: “I literally restarted it yesterday—let’s see where this goes!” Normalize the idea that progress isn’t linear.
4. Leverage the “Fresh Start Effect”
Research shows people are more motivated to pursue goals after temporal landmarks like Mondays, birthdays, or the start of a month. Use these dates as psychological resets, but don’t wait for them—create your own.
Real-Life Stories: When Restarting Changed Everything
– J.K. Rowling: Before Harry Potter, she faced rejection, poverty, and depression. She later described rock bottom as a “solid foundation” to rebuild her life.
– Thomas Edison: His 1,000+ failed experiments for the lightbulb weren’t failures but “steps” toward success.
– Everyday Heroes: Think of the parent returning to school after a decade, the artist picking up a brush after burnout, or the entrepreneur launching a second venture.
The Science of Starting Over
Neuroscience reveals that adaptability—the ability to restart—is linked to neuroplasticity. When we learn from past attempts and adjust our strategies, we strengthen neural pathways associated with problem-solving and resilience. In other words, restarting literally rewires your brain for growth.
Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on “growth mindset” aligns here: viewing challenges as opportunities to develop skills, rather than tests of innate talent, fosters perseverance. Saying “I literally restarted it yesterday” reflects this mindset.
Embracing the Restart Culture
Schools and workplaces often penalize mistakes, but forward-thinking environments encourage experimentation. Companies like Google allocate “20% time” for employees to explore new ideas, knowing many projects will fail—and some will lead to breakthroughs like Gmail.
Imagine if we applied this to personal goals: treating restarts as part of the process, not a detour.
Final Thoughts
Next time you catch yourself hesitating to restart, remember: every masterpiece has drafts. Every innovator has prototypes. Every journey has detours. The courage to say “I literally restarted it yesterday” isn’t admitting defeat—it’s declaring commitment to growth.
So, what will you restart today?
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