Change Starts with One Step

Wherever you go, there you are. It seems simplistic, but a lot of people are wrapped up in the past and opening old wounds, going between the bitterness of lost chances and the regret of bad choices. As far as moving forward, however, none of that matters.


One step anyone can take toward achieving any goal- whether it’s weight loss, parenting, career achievements, or anything- is to discover where you are today and accept that it is what it is. You don’t have to be happy about it or proud of where you are. In fact, the fact that you are dissatisfied with conditions today is what is going to motivate you to change and make steps toward your goals.

Are you overweight? So what? So are millions of other Americans. Admit to yourself if you are not in the physical condition you want to be. Do you feel guilty for neglecting your children? Admit that you haven’t been the parent you want to be. Are you stuck in a job that isn’t a good fit for you? Admit that you’re not happy about the present circumstances. Now, what are you going to do about it?

The second step is committing to change. It is up to you whether you want to remain where you are, reach toward a higher goal, or change directions. It doesn’t matter if your spouse is nagging you or your boss is threatening you. If you want to have a better life or to be a better person, you have to be willing to take responsibility for it.

Thirdly, take one step. Don’t try to crash diet the first day. Take one step. Trade in soda for water. Eat fruit instead of candy. Walk 10 minutes a day. When you’ve mastered that step, take the next step. It may not be the fast track, but it will pave the road for lifetime change. Commit to family meals once a week. Polish your resume. Take one step in the right direction, and before you know it, you’ll be in a whole new place. As Lao-tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”