Falling. We all do it. Sometimes, the ground comes up faster than we’d like, and life takes us places we never planned on going. Denzel Washington said it well: if we fall, we should aim to fall forward. The meaning of this phrase escaped me for years. I’d always assumed that falling, by definition, meant a loss—a loss of control, stability, direction. But I’ve come to understand it differently. Falling forward isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about choosing resilience and faith, trusting that every setback can become a stepping stone, if we’re willing to learn and keep moving forward.

My life hasn’t been short of falls, and some were more painful than others. In 2016, I hit what I thought was rock bottom. I was going through a divorce, struggling with my career, and dealing with a heavy dose of self-doubt. The life I had worked so hard to build felt like it was unraveling, leaving me questioning everything. My career in real estate, which I’d poured my heart into, had stalled, and I was wrestling with a deep sense of loss. Depression set in, clouding my view and weakening my faith. For a long time, I had allowed myself to fall backward, convinced that maybe I couldn’t get back up this time.

Returning to Faith: A Daily Commitment
When you’re at the bottom, there’s nowhere to look but up. It was in those quiet, empty moments that I felt God calling me back, whispering that I didn’t have to carry this weight alone. I began to go to church again, something I hadn’t done regularly in years. But more than just attending, I started truly engaging with my faith. Each day became an opportunity to reconnect with God, to pray—not just as a routine, but as a real, daily dialogue. I found myself in constant conversation with Him, asking for guidance on what I should do next. It wasn’t about grand plans or complex strategies; it was a simple question I’d ask myself every morning: “What’s the next best thing I could do?”

This daily prayer became my anchor, a way to stay present and focused on the small steps that would eventually lead to larger victories. Whenever doubt crept in or distractions threatened to pull me off course, I’d come back to this prayer, reminding myself that each decision, no matter how small, mattered. Staying focused on this question kept me grounded and allowed me to align my day-to-day actions with a higher purpose. Through this, I learned that God wasn’t just with me in the big decisions; He was guiding me in the small ones, teaching me to lean on Him for clarity, strength, and patience.

Real Estate and the Illusion of External Barriers
In my career, the setbacks were painfully tangible. Real estate is a field that requires confidence, focus, and drive. But during those years, my weakened state left me vulnerable to self-doubt and excuses. I remember feeling like I had no control over my success; the economy was weaker, clients seemed harder to secure, and I convinced myself that these external factors were the reason for my struggles. Yet, when I looked around, I saw other agents thriving, closing deals, and building their businesses in the same economy. It was a humbling realization.

The truth hit me: it wasn’t the economy holding me back—it was my own mindset. My work ethic and focus had faltered, and I had allowed myself to fall into a pattern of excuses. I was afraid to take risks, afraid to fail, and so I avoided the tough decisions, sidestepped challenges, and ended up feeling even more defeated. That realization was a turning point. I could no longer hide behind the economy or other external factors; I had to face the truth that my success was within my control. If I wanted to build a meaningful career, I’d need to focus, work harder, and trust that with God’s guidance, I could thrive in any market.

From that point on, I stopped letting fear dictate my decisions. I started taking those risks that, deep down, I knew were necessary. And each time I took a step forward—even if I stumbled—I reminded myself that falling forward was better than standing still. I learned that faith isn’t about having a foolproof plan; it’s about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when the path isn’t clear. With this mindset, I began to see progress. My business started to recover, but even more importantly, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. God was teaching me resilience, and I learned that with focus, discipline, and a little faith, I could overcome any obstacle.

A Practical Guide for Falling Forward: Daily Routines and the Four Pillars

For those reading this who may be facing their own setbacks, let me share some practical insights that helped me rebuild my life. One of the most transformative changes was establishing a morning routine that reinforced my focus and commitment. There’s a saying I’ve come to believe: “How we do one thing is how we do everything.” Our habits create momentum, and how we start each day sets the tone for how we approach every challenge, relationship, and opportunity.

I came to see my life as supported by four key pillars: health, spirituality, finances and career, and relationships. Every day, especially in the mornings, I focused on each of these pillars, making sure that I was nurturing them and building a balanced foundation. Here’s how these pillars look in practice:

1. Health and Fitness – I committed to a consistent fitness routine, something that helped me not only physically but also mentally. Exercising became a way to build resilience, reminding me that just as muscles grow stronger under stress, so does character. Each workout became a symbol of the effort I was willing to put into my life, and staying disciplined in this area carried over into everything else

2. Spirituality – My relationship with God became my anchor. Daily prayer, scripture reading, and quiet reflection became the spiritual fuel I needed to face each day. I started every morning by connecting with God, asking for guidance, and surrendering my worries. This practice grounded me, reminding me that no matter what came my way, I was never alone

3. Finances and Career – With renewed focus, I approached my work with intention, setting small, achievable goals that kept me moving forward. Instead of focusing on the larger market, I focused on what I could control: my effort, my relationships with clients, and the quality of service I provided. Each listing, each meeting became an opportunity to give my best, to work with integrity, and to trust that God would bless my efforts

4. Relationships – Finally, I invested more deeply in my relationships, showing up for my family, friends, and clients in ways I hadn’t before. I realized that true success isn’t just about career achievements; it’s about creating a life filled with meaningful connections and memories. I took time to listen, to be present, and to show appreciation for the people who stood by me.

Focusing on these four pillars gave me structure, helping me rebuild not just my career but my entire life. And here’s what I want others to take from this: if you’re facing setbacks, whether in work, relationships, or personal growth, start by building a routine that honors these pillars. Small, consistent actions create the foundation for big change. Fall forward by taking one step at a time, trusting that God is guiding you and that each step, no matter how small, is moving you closer to who you’re meant to be.

Embracing Faith in the Face of Uncertainty
Today, I see the fruits of this journey, not just in a successful career but in a life filled with purpose, faith, and resilience. I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t promise us a life free of hardship; instead, He promises to be with us through every trial. As it says in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse has become a reminder that no matter the challenges I face, I am upheld by God’s strength, not my own.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling stuck, remember that falling forward is a choice. It’s a decision to rise, even if we’re uncertain, even if we’re afraid. God is with us in every step, every misstep, and every fall. And if we’re willing to take that next step, to trust Him even when the path is unclear, He will lead us forward.

Let’s fall forward together, building lives of purpose, anchored in faith, and driven by hope. Each challenge, each moment of uncertainty, is an invitation to grow. Embrace it, learn from it, and trust that God is working all things together for your good. There’s beauty in the struggle, and with each step forward, we’re becoming the people we’re meant to be.