You have heard it said before, “The first step is always the hardest”. Is this true in all circumstances? Is the first step really always the hardest? I have been working out since April 2015. I remember my first Focus T25 workout where I gasped for air and tasted my blood in my mouth. That was hard. However, now that I have moved on to other workouts, I still have to motivate myself to keep going. Now that I have achieved my target weight, I have debated quitting several times. I need to mentally coach myself to keep going on a consistent basis.
The first step is hard. In order to take that first step, you need to make changes, you need to think differently. It normally requires you to overcome your fear of starting and be courageous enough to start your journey.
“Taking that first step means not letting fear get in your way” – Elita Torres
“Believing in yourself is your first step to success.” – Junaid Raza
But the first step is not always the hardest. The hardest step is sometimes the one that you take when you are tired and have worked harder than you ever thought possible, without seeing any results. It’s those moments when you have to keep going and know that you don’t need to take that one step, but several mini steps.
Even after you achieved success, it is still hard. Those who have achieved success must continuously work hard to maintain their level of success. You may not see it, but it is true. Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey have not been able to coast through and stop after their success was achieved. They commit every day to continue to put in place the steps they need to succeed.
Most people never get to their destination because they give up. Life was never meant to be easy. It is a constant struggle, with extreme lows and extreme highs. It is during these times when it’s most important to persevere and where you will be tested the most.
Do not be tricked into thinking that once you make that first step, the rest is easy. Nor should you be discouraged by it. If you understand the road that lies before you, you can be prepared. Have the discipline and knowledge to continue to follow the path. Making mistakes is part of the learning experience along the way. When you make mistakes, learn, and then adapt.
Keep your eye on your target. Focus on why you want to achieve your goals and keep going.
“When you are going through hell, keep on going. Never never never give up.” – Winston Churchill
Whether you are on your first step, your tenth or 100th, take a pause if you must, but never stop.
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie
Which step are you on in your journey? What do you do to push yourself forward?