The journey to success is rarely smooth, but when faced with obstacles on the path to our goals, how do we maintain motivation and avoid becoming discouraged?
It is common to believe that things will have to get worse before they can improve. But is this always true?
This idea that things will get worse before they get better can be both motivating and discouraging at the same time.
Have you ever experienced such a circumstance? If so, you already have your fair share of the fallacy!
Struggling to overcome “It’ll Get Worse Before it Gets Better” thinking? This article covers everything you need to know about the fallacy, how to identify and combat it, plus real-life examples.
Understanding The It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better Fallacy
The “It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better Fallacy” is a logical fallacy that causes people to believe that things can’t improve until they worsen. Unfortunately, This line of thinking leads us to make decisions that do not benefit us in the long run, as we hope for something better in the future without taking any action today.
So let’s say you have this bad investment chewing up your cash. You may have heard advice from a financial expert that things will only get worse before they get better. However, holding on to a losing investment may not be smart. Waiting too long could lead to more painful losses.
Being optimistic and focused on long-term goals is important, but don’t be afraid to explore your options when dealing with a poor investment. Sometimes, cutting your losses and looking for better prospects to grow your money is better.
Bear in mind that maintaining a receptive attitude and seeking guidance can significantly contribute to safeguarding your investments and overall financial health. So if you’re stuck with a bad phase, why not consult with other experts and evaluate your options? Then, with little help, you can make informed decisions and succeed.
Exploited And Exploiters
People who are demotivated by their present situation are often the ones who fall prey to “The It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better Fallacy.” This cognitive bias leads them to believe they need to wait for things to improve independently without taking action. This approach can be harmful as it prolongs their misery and hinders them from making progress.
As a result, they need to pay more attention to taking proactive steps toward achieving the desired change. On the other hand, those who exploit this fallacy are usually people in positions of power who use guilt and shame to discourage or control individuals from pursuing a different course of action.
Day-To-Day It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better Fallacy
- A cashier at a grocery store notices that the line is growing longer and tells customers: “We may be slow now, but it’ll get better soon. Just be patient!”
- A motivational speaker tells a crowd of people: “The only way to make things change is to hit rock bottom first – then turn it around from there.”
- A mechanic tells a customer that their car won’t run as well until it has been serviced, saying, “You’ll have to wait for it to get worse before you can expect it to get better.”
- An overworked employee tells their boss: “If I take on any more responsibilities, it’ll just make my job harder until I adjust to the new normal.”
Recognizing When You Are Slipping Into The, It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better Fallacy Trap
One of the most reliable indicators that you are falling into this trap is a feeling of hesitation or inaction. This is because the fallacy perpetuates a belief that nothing can be done until things worsen. As a result, you find yourself stuck in limbo, unable to decide or take any action.
It may be because you are assuming, “It will only get worse before it gets better.” Another way to identify this type of thinking is to pay attention to any language that implies inevitability or an unavoidable series of events – words like “must,” “will,” and “have to” indicate that you believe the situation will worsen before it can improve.
Overcoming The It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better Fallacy
- Accept the discomfort of ‘getting worse’ – don’t resist it.
- Find a way to stay in the present rather than worrying about what might happen in the future.
- Make a plan of action based on things within your control that can realistically be achieved.
- Recognize the value of small improvements and take small steps towards larger goals.
- Be mindful of how your thoughts impact your emotions and behavior – use techniques like self-talk and a positive attitude to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
- Reach out for help when appropriate – be bold and ask for support from friends, family, or professionals if needed.
- Celebrate each success along the way, however small they may be – this will help you stay motivated and give you the confidence to keep going even when things aren’t improving fast enough!
Final Thoughts
A close friend once tried a new skincare product to clear up acne. When she first started using the product, her skin began to break out badly. However, she continued to use the cream, believing it would get worse before it got better. Unfortunately, her skin only got worse over time, becoming severely irritated and inflamed.
She had clearly fallen victim to the “It’ll Get-Worse-Before-It-Gets-Better” fallacy, believing that the temporary setback she was experiencing was the next step to achieving her desired outcome. She realized too late that the product was unsuitable for her skin type and should have researched beforehand.
This experience highlights the importance of researching and consulting with experts before trying new products or treatments. In the case of skincare products, products and treatments suitable for your skin type has to be chosen along with careful monitoring for any adverse reactions.
Finally
Sometimes, what may seem like a minor setback is a sign of a more significant problem. So it is crucial to stay open to alternatives, remains mindful of potential risks and benefits, and seek expert advice when necessary. Enjoyed reading? Would it help you make smarter decisions if you steer clear of uncertainties and work towards your aspirations? Then subscribe to our newsletter!
Reference
The above article is based on the book Thinking Clearly; this article is here to help us learn and understand how our minds can be tricked by something called cognitive biases.