The Smallest Step Forward

“If nothing changes, nothing changes. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you will keep getting what you’re getting. You want change, make some” — Courtney C. Stevens.

People stay stuck in their circumstances because they expect change to come from outside of them instead of within. It is as though they are waiting for permission to move forward when they must first take action themselves. As the saying goes: “Nothing changes, if nothing changes.” Can you relate to this? While some people have good intentions, their actions don’t line up to support them. They may have goals they’re pursuing, yet years later, those goals remain in the distance because they didn’t act on them. Sometimes, it’s easy to settle for the status quo through:

1. Living paycheck to paycheck instead of taking action towards your goals.
2. Being in a toxic relationship because you don’t want to be alone or hurt your partner.
3. Working a job you loathe because looking for another one requires effort and change.
4. The pain associated with negativity is comforting because it validates the misery.

Most people are committed to change but can’t overcome the hurdles that inhibit their progress. They begin with great momentum, but a month later, they return to a familiar routine. Change must come from within; even the smallest step forward is enough to propel us in the right direction. This step can create lasting change in our lives, but well-intentioned objectives must accompany it. Change requires effort. It requires stepping out of our comfort zone, digging deep, stirring up passion, and going for it with all we have. Have you considered why some people are successful and others are not? Successful people work towards their goals and understand that hard work (and wisdom) pays off. 

Staying in our comfort zone is not conducive to our long-term success. We must venture into uncharted territory to experience something new since inspired action results from empowering thoughts. So, to change our circumstances, we should change our thinking. Change is often permanent once we have transformed our sabotaging thoughts. This is foreshadowed by a deeper realization, which gives way to real progress. Change requires courage and faith, yet has a ripple effect in our lives. It can include a change in living conditions without having to move places. Sometimes, something as simple as rearranging our furniture changes our thought patterns because of the metaphysical relationship. Similarly, a change in direction can trigger a shift in our career and will likely reap benefits.

The Sense Of Reckless Adventure

“Twenty years from now, you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

The change cycle reveals the six stages of change. Beginning with Loss, which is characterized by feelings of fear and being paralyzed. It concludes with Integration, highlighting the satisfaction we experience when we are settled into an unfamiliar environment. Despite our fears and doubts, a new life is possible when we take consistent action. In this way, we make incremental changes without speeding up towards our future. It is important to embrace transformation because the knowledge gained is vital to our new way of life. Without stating the obvious, life isn’t about ‘success’ alone. However, most people want to be successful without devoting themselves to the hard work to get there. Something has to change if we’re not experiencing success (or accomplishing our goals and desires).

Working with a business or life coach can help us overcome hurdles and create clear goals. An action plan to achieve them and accountability are the keys to progress. Accountability motivates those who seek change but don’t know how to go about it. We are inspired to work towards definable goals since we have someone to guide and motivate us. What about you?

1. Where do you stand with your goals for this year?
2. Are you moving forward toward them consistently?
3. Are you happy with your progress?
4. What would you like to be different?
5. What does your optimal life look like?

So many questions to consider. Yet, if you don’t examine them, you will likely be drawn off-course by distractions and find yourself in a place not your choosing, doing meaningless tasks. It is the sense of reckless adventure we must embark upon to bring fulfillment, passion, and joy to our lives. Regret and resentment cannot dwell in the heart and mind of someone committed to their work. Therefore, abandon your pain and disillusionment and reach beyond the comforts of your armchair to seek a life where dreams come true. Dare to be exceptional. Dare to be bold. Awaken your inner spirit and light the radiance of your highest self that summons you to create a life of passion.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Schedule a Coaching Conversation

If something in this article spoke to you, it’s usually a sign there’s more to explore. I offer a 30-minute Complimentary Coaching Conversation to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface and decide the most meaningful step forward with honesty, focus, and depth.

Tony Fahkry

Expert Life Coach