The First Step Is the Hardest
So what is it and why is it so hard? In this post I am talking about health and fitness, but really this is a metaphor for life.
When I started on my weight loss journey it seemed impossible to me. I had an imperative but it was also a big and audacious goal. I just started and took it one day at a time. Within weeks I was getting incredible results because I had an amazing system plus some wonderful support. It just worked as long as I followed the program – and I feel better than I have in the last 35 years – no exaggeration.
So here is the irony…
Despite my achievements to date I still feel some elements of fear, anxiety and doubt. This is just a normal brain biochemical reaction as I stretch my comfort zone. And it doesn’t help that my body is complaining (loudly) because I’m using it in ways that I haven’t done for a long, long time. It would be so easy to give in to the physical discomfort, not take action and stay as the new, improved Stage 1 version of me. After all, that’s not too shabby. But I can’t do that – Stage 2 is calling me.
For a start, I deserve better than that – I deserve to have my optimal health and fitness. I have a lot to do yet during my time on this planet and I need the right body to carry me. And secondly, that’s not a great example to the people I am assisting on their own journeys.
So my message today is to take one step, no matter how small – just get started. Tomorrow will come anyway so no need to worry about it now. And tomorrow you can take another small step. Running a marathon is tough, but taking one step is easy. Everyone – including you and me – can take one small step every day.
The very first step is making the decision that you want it badly enough to change. Simple – it’s just a decision. But it’s hard too – probably the hardest step because of the aforementioned fear, anxiety and doubt. You will have to get outside your comfort zone, because that’s the only place that change occurs. But once the decision is made the rest will flow.
So the real question is, “Why do you want it?” And is your why big enough?