Victory Over Yourself: How to Not Fall Back into the Pit After a Crisis?

Getting out of a black streak is like climbing a mountain peak: you feel a surge of strength, joy, and pride for the journey you've made. But what happens next? Many people, after achieving long-awaited stability and happiness, suddenly start to slide back into the familiar pit of problems. Old habits return, negative thinking takes over again, and a person is surprised to find that, despite all their efforts, they are back at the same point where they started. Why does this happen? And how can you consolidate positive changes in your life to avoid such a "relapse"?

From a psychological point of view, our psyche strives for stability and predictability. Even if that stability is negative. We get used to certain behavioral patterns, to negative thinking, and to a "victim" role. And when we change these patterns, our psyche begins to resist. It perceives positive changes as a "threat" and tries to return us to our familiar state. It's like a muscle that hasn't worked for a long time: it will hurt and resist when you start to train it. Therefore, it is important not only to get out of a crisis but also to learn to "train" your psyche so that it gets used to a new, positive state.

Preventing a "relapse" is no less important than getting out of the crisis itself. It requires awareness, self-control, and systematic work on oneself. And if you learn to consolidate positive changes, you can not only avoid old problems but also build a truly happy and harmonious life.

Why Does a "Relapse" Happen?

Here are some of the most common reasons why we slide back into the pit of problems:

• Returning to old habits. When we are in a crisis, we form certain habits: passivity, procrastination, negative thoughts. After getting out of the crisis, we can unconsciously return to these habits because they are familiar and "comfortable."
• "False" peace. After getting out of a crisis, we may feel that "that's it, now we can relax." We stop working on ourselves, stop practicing mindfulness. But this is a misconception. Working on yourself is not a one-time event but a continuous process.
• Fear of success. We may subconsciously fear success because it brings new challenges, new responsibilities, and new risks. And to avoid this fear, we unconsciously sabotage our achievements.
• Negative environment. If we return to an environment where we are constantly criticized, devalued, or envied, we can fall back into old patterns.
• Lack of new goals. After achieving the goal of getting out of the crisis, we may lose motivation. We need new, inspiring goals to move forward.

Recognizing these reasons is the first step to avoiding a "relapse" and consolidating positive changes.

How to Consolidate Positive Changes: Practical Steps

Consolidating positive changes is a process that requires continuous work on yourself. Here are a few practical steps to help you stay on top.

1. Continue to Practice Mindfulness

Don't stop there. Continue to keep a journal, writing down your thoughts and emotions. Practice mindfulness in your daily life. When you feel old thoughts or habits returning, stop and ask yourself: "Why am I reacting this way? Is this an old pattern or a new, healthy reaction?" This will help you break the automatic reaction and make a conscious choice.

2. Create "Anchors" of Positivity

"Anchors" are objects, places, or actions that you associate with positive changes. This could be your favorite music, a certain place for walks, or even special clothes you wore during a happy period. These "anchors" will help you quickly return to a resourceful state when you feel like you're sliding into negativity.

3. Set New Goals

To not slide back, you need to move forward. Set new, inspiring goals for yourself. They can be both grand goals and something simple: learn a new language, learn to play a musical instrument, or run a marathon. New goals will maintain your motivation and give you a sense of momentum.

4. Change Your Environment

If your environment is toxic, it will drag you back down. Limit contact with people who criticize or devalue you. Instead, surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. Their positive energy will fuel you and help you move forward.

5. Remember That a "Relapse" Is Normal

No path is perfectly straight. There will be times when you will feel like you are sliding back. This is normal. Don't blame yourself for it. Instead, treat it with understanding and compassion. Remember that a "relapse" is not a defeat but just a temporary stop on the way. By recognizing this, you can quickly get back on the right path.

Getting out of a black streak is only the beginning of the journey. To consolidate positive changes and build a truly happy life, you need to continue to work on yourself, set new goals, and surround yourself with the right people. Remember that you are not a victim of circumstances but the creator of your own destiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I start making the same old mistakes after everything has finally settled down?

This happens because our psyche always strives for stability, even if that stability was negative. Familiar patterns of behavior and the "victim role" feel safer and more predictable to the brain than new changes. To avoid slipping back, it is important to consciously monitor the return of old habits and nip them in the bud. Remember that psychological resistance when emerging from a crisis is a normal process, not your personal failure.

What should I do if I feel like a "black streak" is about to start again?

The most important thing is not to give in to panic and to analyze your current actions and thoughts. Often, the feeling of approaching doom is caused by a return to negative thinking, which programs you for failure. Focus on the present moment and the tools that helped you escape your past crisis. If you notice signs of a "relapse," treat yourself with compassion and simply return to taking the right steps.

How can I solidify positive changes so they stay with me forever?

To achieve this, you must continue systematic work on yourself even after the acute period of the crisis is over. Regularly set new goals, monitor your social circle, and do not forget the practices that maintain your resourceful state. Gradually, new healthy behavioral patterns will replace old destructive habits. Remember: emerging from a crisis is not a destination, but the beginning of a new path that requires attention.

Is it possible to completely protect myself from the return of old problems?

Absolute insurance does not exist, but you can significantly reduce the risks by strengthening your psychological resilience. It is important to learn to recognize "triggers"—situations or people that provoke your habitual negative reactions. The higher your mindfulness, the harder it is for external circumstances to throw you off track. Your strength lies in your right to choose how to respond to life's emerging challenges.

Why does my environment have such a strong impact on my success or failure?

The people around us create an informational and emotional field that either feeds our self-belief or pulls us to the bottom. If those close to you are prone to criticism and devaluation, it will be much harder for you to sustain positive changes. Try to surround yourself with those who share your aspirations and support your growth. Limiting contact with "toxic" people is not selfishness; it is a necessary protection of the results you have achieved.

How long does it take for new habits to become natural?

On average, it takes two to three months of regular repetition to form a stable automatism. However, in the context of emerging from a deep crisis, this process may take longer because old beliefs are very strong. It is important not to quit after your first successes and to continue acting mindfully. Discipline during this period is your main ally on the path to a stable and happy life.

Do I need to continue working with a therapist after emerging from a crisis?

Yes, maintenance therapy helps not only to consolidate results but also to work deeper on the underlying causes that led to the "black streak." A specialist will help you notice signs of a "relapse" in time and adjust your behavior before the situation becomes critical. This is an excellent investment in preventing future breakdowns and ensuring stable mental health. Often, the highest quality personal growth occurs precisely during the stabilization phase.

What is considered a "relapse" (otkat) and should I be afraid of it?

A relapse is a temporary return to old thoughts or actions, and it is definitely nothing to be afraid of. View it as a signal that you are tired or facing a new, powerful stressor. Instead of self-flagellation, simply acknowledge the fact that you have paused and calmly continue moving along your chosen path. Your victory over yourself is not the absence of mistakes, but the ability to quickly get back in line after them.

We've thoroughly explored how chronic failures are not a coincidence, but rather a consequence of internal beliefs and behavioral patterns that can return after a crisis. We've analyzed its roots and discussed practical steps to overcome them. But what do you do next? How do you translate this knowledge into real changes in your life? I once found myself in a similar situation, where I had a lot of theoretical knowledge, but my life wasn't getting any better. This is what prompted me to create the step-by-step guide «The Labyrinth of Life». This book is a practical guide that will help you not only understand the causes of your failures but also start acting to get out of a «black streak» once and for all and get your life on track. To begin your journey toward change, simply go back to the very beginning, to the «Introduction» section.