Crossroads

Something I’ve noticed this week is the importance of the first step.

It could be the first physical step you take out the door for a morning run, but it can also be opening your computer to start working. It can be sending a single text to reconnect with an old friend. It could be opening a notebook to jot down your goals.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you probably have a lot of sh*t on your plate. You’re balancing responsibilities and obligations while being there for others while also making time for yourself.

And when thinking of all these things at once, it’s no surprise how we get overwhelmed so easily.

Instead of thinking big picture all the time, I urge you to focus just on the first step.

I used to have trouble getting up and working out, whether that be lifting weights or running. Yet I realized that if I simply put on my workout clothes, the feelings preventing me from working out lessen.

…And since I was already dressed for the workout, I might as well just do one set or a half-mile run.

…And since I already started working out, might as well do a couple more sets or miles.

Just by starting with the smallest thing (changing into workout clothes), I built forward momentum that made the daunting mental walls in my head turn into little hurtles I could jump over.

I like calling these moments where we decide what we’re doing next crossroads. They are important because they affect us not just in that moment, but also in what we do for the seconds, minutes, and hours which follow.

Generally, crossroads manifest themselves like this:

Should I do the easier thing that feels good at the moment but won’t last (ex: sleeping in), or should I do the more difficult thing that may not feel as good but brings long-term fulfillment (going on an early morning walk)?

It is vital that we don’t let ourselves be overwhelmed by our responsibilities and busy schedules, and instead shift our focus to the first step. After that, everything becomes easier.

This week, I challenge you to take the first step in something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t started yet. My focus is to learn the guitar, so my first step is to make sure it’s tuned properly.

Don’t overthink it. Just start.

Keep making progress. Change for the better. Live the Heming-way.

Til next time,

Trevor