A Single Step

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” (-Lao Tzu)

This thought seems simple and one might think “of course”. Thoughts are often simple yet the actions associated with the thoughts are tricky. Where we get stuck is between our thoughts and actions. What gets us stuck and what keeps us stuck?

There is a belief out there that people are successful because they think BIG. Actually, people become successful by thinking small. Successful people don’t become successful by doing the BIG things, but by doing the small things over and over again. The biggest and most successful projects, wars, relationships or challenges are built one step at a time. The Taj Mahal was built one stone at a time. The Revolutionary War was won a battle at a time. Losing weight is done one pound at a time. Addictions are controlled one day, hour or even minute at a time. “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” (-Robert Collier)

I had a client who wanted to go back to school for her master’s degree. Her excuse for not starting was that it would take her 5 years and she would be 50 when finished. I asked her, “How old would you be in 5 years if you didn’t finish?” She thought about it and enrolled in the master’s program that week!

 What will your first step be in moving forward?