As I set out for my walk this morning and took the first few paces, I thought with a groan about the distance ahead of me. I visualised the various landmarks along the way and thought about how far they all seemed. My legs just didn’t want to move that far.
I almost turned around to walk back inside, but sheer determination and the fact that I had missed a week of walking, made me keep going for the next few steps and the next.
Continuing along the path, I focused on each step I took, on each tree I passed, on the changes in each garden along the way. I noticed the daffodils fading away and the jonquils waving their white heads in the wind. The gum trees were in full flower with various shades of yellow covering their branches, while the deciduous trees were shyly displaying their fresh gossamer green gowns. Spring scents on the breeze kept my senses trained on the here and now and before I knew it I was back home.
It is the same with any project. Whether you’re building a home, writing a book or planning a holiday. The goal can seem so far away and the process to get there overwhelming. Developing a plan feels good and helps us believe that the end result is within reach, but when we look at it in its entirety, it can at times feel disheartening.
So don’t. Don’t let yourself be caught in contemplating the whole plan, the whole process.
Focus on only two things – the final goal and the next step.
As you take and finish each step, take your attention to the next and become absorbed in it. Before you know it, it will be complete and the following step will be starting.
It is only step by step that our goals can be reached, no matter how big or small. Enjoy the now, but never take your eye off the target.
My motto quite often is “one day at a time” or sometimes its all too much to deal with ! via the MM Blog Carnival
Some days I have to go one hour at at time. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I agree. I have been working on a book proposal, and it can seem so overwhelming when you look at the entire process. I have been working with a mentor who has helped me break it down step by step and I am only focusing on the step that I am working on. It is coming together nicely as a result.
Awesome! I’ve got to start putting together a submission, too, but just keep putting it off. 100 pages seems like a lot, but one page at a time would be much more doable.
Love it – “Focus on only two things – the final goal and the next step”. Thanks Dorothy, this is going up on my vision board!
Glad you found it useful 🙂
Oooh that’s good advice Dorothy. Next time I’m having a meltdown about something HUGE, be sure to send me this link. It would be a fantastic reminder!
Post it up on your bathroom mirror 🙂
Sometimes it really is “one step at a time” isn’t it! This is a great article and a good reminder for us all to continue with things we start and to take care of ourselves.
A great little piece of advice I always remember – you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Good luck keeping on stepping. Fiona