Taking it One Step at a Time

Late last year, at the small community gym I go to, I noticed a gentleman in his late 70’s or early 80’s. I knew he was a regular based on how others greeted him.

Now, this particular gentleman stood out to me because he took the elevator to the second floor where the gym is located. And he walked quite slowly, with a cane and was quite hunched over.

I’m not entirely sure what he did at the gym, since I’m usually leaving as he arrives, but he was there week after week. And I marveled at his dedication when it would have been so easy for him to stay home.

I’ve seen him off and on as the months have passed, but when I saw him today something was different and I couldn’t immediately put my finger on what.

It wasn’t until later that I realized what had changed.

He was no longer walking with a cane! And he was moving a bit faster and standing slightly taller. A couple minutes later I realized another change – he took the stairs to the second floor!

I don’t know how long he’s been walking without the cane and taking the stairs, but I do know that he’s made significant progress in a few short months to be able to do that.

And he continues to come to the gym. I’m sure as time goes on he will be walking a little bit faster and standing a bit taller.

Why am I sharing this story?

Well, sometimes I hear from clients or others who are frustrated with the long list of things they have to do: “Oh, there’s so much to do! How can I possibly get everything done!”

And the answer to that question, as with so many things, is to do it one step at a time.

The gentleman from my gym did that quite literally. He took one step at a time so he could more easily take future steps, and take them faster. It would have been extremely easy for him to stay at home and do something else, but he didn’t. Even though the steps where small and slow, he took them.

When we take steps toward our goals, dreams or anything – the steps might feel unnatural, incredibly slow and frustrating. And initially, they probably are! But when you take those initial steps, you’re laying the ground work for what’s to come, you’re gaining strength and momentum.

So, stick with it. Course correct when necessary, but keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually, you’ll be moving a bit faster and with more confidence!

What are your steps taking you toward? I’d love to know! Share in the comments below.