The Downward Loop

Sue Dhillon
February 11, 2025

Why Getting Worse Is The Secret To Getting Better

I know. I know. This sounds all backwards. I get it, but hear me out so I can break it down.

Think about the last time you tried to improve your golf swing, change your workout form, or learn a new skill. Did you notice that you actually struggled, maybe even got worse before you got better? That's not by chance, but a sign you're on the right track.

The Principle

So the principle of the downward loop is based on this idea that when we try to improve, we often have to break down our old patterns first. This temporary disruption generally makes us feel and perform worse - but it's essential for getting to new heights. This is "The Downward Loop."

Why It Happens

Imagine you're a tennis player who's always used a certain grip. Your coach suggests a better technique, but switching feels awkward. Your game suffers initially. This happens because:

Your brain is rewiring neural pathways
Old habits are being disrupted
New patterns haven't solidified yet

This episode from the Blossom Your Awesome Podcast offers more insights into how the brain can rewire neural pathways - Ep. 67 Change Your Brain with Ben Ahrens.

The Three Stages

Growth as most things happens in stages and here’s what that looks like -

Disruption: Performance drops as you implement changes
Adjustment: You slowly adapt to the new approach
Integration: The new pattern becomes natural, leading to better performance

Making It Work For You

Expect the dip - it's normal and necessary
Document (journal) your starting point so you can see long-term progress
Focus on the process, not immediate results
Have patience during the awkward phase

You know I’m big on journaling and for more on that checkout this post here Have You Started A Self-Care Journal Yet or checkout the most therapeutic journals EVER!

Your Next Step

This week, identify one area where you've felt stuck. Ask yourself: Am I avoiding the temporary discomfort of getting worse? Or are you ready to embrace the downward loop to reach a higher level?

Remember: The path to mastery isn't a straight line up - it's a series of loops and that temporarily dip down before rising higher than before.

This approach really is a game changer.