Step by Step

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – Chinese proverb

Sometimes, the distance between where we are and where we want to be can seem like a thousand miles. Maybe we want to change careers, or start a business, or we have an idea for a new product, invention, or service. Perhaps we need—or just want—a new home or a new car. Or maybe we want to help someone else, but their circumstance seem so overwhelming that we don’t see how we can make a difference.

Because the “destination” seems so far away, it’s easy to find yourself wondering if it’s even worth the effort. We tell ourselves we’ll never make it because we don’t have the skills or the knowledge, or we’re not as good as someone else who is already where we want to go. Maybe it seems like such a radical change that we don’t even know what the first step should be.

But what if your destination isn’t as far away as it seems? Our perspective can be skewed by fear and self-doubt. Sometimes we think it’s so far away when it’s really like looking in the side mirrors on a car where it says “objects are closer than they appear.” The biggest hurdle is deciding to take that first step.

If you don’t have the knowledge you need, take a class, or pick up a book at the bookstore or your local library. Don’t even know what the first step should be? Contact someone who is where you want to be, and ask them for advice. There has never been a time in history where so much information is available to so many. Take advantage of it.

Taking the first step is the most important part of the journey. And sometimes we may find, after taking that first step, that we’re already halfway there.

So where do you want to be, and what’s keeping you from taking that first step?