The first step

It’s said that the first step is the hardest. And while that may be true, the first step in making a change isn’t that hard.....once you decide where that step is. Most of the time when we look around our houses, our lives, our whatever the case may be, we can become overwhelmed and paralyzed. So, we hesitate to change. Or, we feel like the change must be immediate, sweeping, overwhelming and done quickly. But here’s the reality. Any change has to happen slowly and over time.

So, where do you take the first step? Great question. Don’t think about it too much, just pick a spot and start. Whether it’s a drawer, a shelf....something. And then keep at it. Little by little, you’re going to make those needed changes.

Or maybe you’re looking to make healthy changes. That’s not too hard. Instead of looking for the closest parking spot, choose one a little farther away. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Swap out that “sweet treat” for some fresh fruit. There’s lots of simple first steps that you can take.....literally!

The whole point is building good habits. A lot of times those habits are built by avoidance and procrastination. Or simple laziness. My youngest daughter is 6. She doesn’t put things away in her room and consequently, the floor is typically littered with stuff. She only wants to pick up with “help”. A couple of days ago, she and my wife spent a whopping 20 minutes and her floor was clean! Now, is it still clean? It’s walkable, but there’s a few land mines to be avoided. But, even as adults, we can be that way. “It’s going to take so much time” we may say. But in reality, it only takes a few minutes, and then we’re free to read a book, watch Netflix, or whatever we need to do!

So what’s your first step today? Comment with your first steps and let’s encourage each other to keep going with those little steps every day!