All it takes to begin is the first step
4 Tips for Moving Toward a Goal
Sometimes it’s hard to get started.
A five-year-old I know and love was afraid to jump into the swimming pool. He had to repeat his first swim class three times. Jumping in was hard for him. He was afraid. Perhaps his biggest obstacle was thinking he couldn’t do it and feeling afraid to try. Finally after being stuck in that mindset, he took a small step closer to the edge of the pool. The next week he took another step. A few weeks later he jumped in. He needed someone to catch him, but he jumped. Last week, as he accepted his certificate for completing Swim Level 1, he felt very proud. He has completed a significant step toward his big goal of learning to swim.
All it takes to begin is one small step. Or maybe jumping in. A beginning. Then another. Then another.
Maybe you want to take one small step toward an objective you’ve been putting off, whatever it might be. For example, a transition, a well-being goal, a leadership goal, life-work balance.
Let’s say you work toward your objective for 15 minutes a day on five days of a week. At the end of a month you’ll be 20 steps closer, 300 minutes (5 hours) closer. In 3 months you’ll be 60 steps, 900 minutes (15 hours) closer to your goal. The small steps over time add up to something larger.
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
4 Tips for Moving Toward a Goal:
- If a big project seems overwhelming, start with a part that seems easier or quicker, so you can get started.
- Make an appointment with yourself to work on a task and put it on your calendar. Just a 15 minute block of time can make a difference. Stick to your appointment.
- Ask yourself how important the goal is to you. If it is important, consider where it fits on your list of priorities. Ask yourself what would happen if you didn’t get to this goal. Is it better to just let go of the goal?
- Instead of worrying about getting it perfect, consider that “good enough” may be enough. And then just get going.
All it takes to get started is one step – just one step.
What’s your first step?
What’s your next step?
Can you jump in?
I welcome you to contact me for a free 20-30 minute coaching consultation. We can introduce ourselves and you can discover if coaching is a good choice for you.
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Empoweringly Yours,
Ilene
How Can Coaching with Ilene Help You Call Yourself to Action?
Ilene Berns-Zare, PsyD is a life and leadership coach and educator. Ilene has dedicated much of her career to the personal and professional development and integrative well-being of others. She inspires others to find fresh perspectives and access their full potential as creative, resourceful, whole persons. Find Ilene online and access free resources at http://ileneberns-zare.com.
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In light and empowerment,
Ilene
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