Life is on the move. In nature, everything that is alive is growing and changing—trees shed their leaves in the fall and grow them again in the spring. Even past the time of major physical growth in our youth, human beings continue to grow and change, although some fight the change that life brings. But change is a reality of life, whether we welcome it or fight it every step of the way. The ease and productivity of our change, to a great degree, is a matter of choice. What will we choose?
Once, when I was attempting to take on several life projects at once (lose weight, get promoted, write the greatest novel ever) and nothing was being accomplished, a friend of mine said to me, “Baby steps?” Uh? Didn’t he know I already knew everything?
“Yes, baby steps,” he repeated unflinchingly. “Just do a little at a time. You’ll get there.” Though I discounted what he said at that moment, I later had to reflect on that advice. I was trying to take on too much, not being effective at all, and becoming quite overwhelmed in the process. Baby steps, I thought. Maybe there was something to this theory …
Think about it. Babies are very persistent. If you watch a baby who’s just learned to move around, you’ll probably see her scooting or doing a creative roll or two. Once she’s got that scoot down, the crawl isn’t far behind. “This ‘moving’ thing is alright,” her face beams. Then, one day, you notice that she’s walking the house—holding onto every object she can, including your legs! Before you know it, she breaks free of holding on and foot freedom abounds!
Growth in our lives is a lot like that; the baby never gives up and neither should we. Translating a goal or desire into lasting change isn’t always easy. Here are some practical steps you can take in order to achieve your goals.
Check Your Blahs:
Do you mean it?: I stopped talking about going on a diet when I realized that I didn’t mean it, not one bit! Often, we talk about stuff that we really have no intention of doing. We know we should do it, so we talk about it. It makes us feel better. It soothes our guilt. But, examine your real motives and intentions. Stop talking about the fluff and purpose to work on the issues/ goals that really matter to you. Really.
