4th and 20

Originally uploaded by Laura Ward

In football when the offense finds itself facing a 4th and 20, most of the time they're going to punt. It doesn't mean they've lost the game. It doesn't even mean they've given up. It just means that this time it's best to take a step back and punt. It's time to let the defense take over, regroup, and attack again later. The offense will almost always get the ball back.

Sometimes you find yourself at a crossroads professionally. You've been pushed back. Despite your best efforts, the goals you had didn't work out. You tried, but it failed. You thought it was a perfect plan of attack, but it wasn't. You were halted. You received a setback.

Do you just give up? In many cases, no.

When you find yourself in that situation, sometimes the best move is to take a step back and punt. It doesn't mean you've lost the game. It doesn't even mean you've given up. It just means you're going back to the drawing board. You're going to adjust. You're going to do better next time.

You will get the ball back.


Note: Sports analogies aren't perfect and I don't care for them normally, but I think this can be applicable in most situations professionally.