“One foot in front of the other” was a common phrase my Dad said whenever he was trying to motivate my sister or I to move faster. Often he was trying to get us to a destination, but we were distracted. As I reflect on his words, they are a good reminder for daily life application:
Keep moving forward.
Do not give up.
Press onward toward the goal.
An ancient Chinese proverb says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” What steps are you taking today? Do you have a destination that you want to reach, but maybe it feels too far away, so you have lost motivation?
Great things are accomplished with seemingly small and steady steps. Each step may feel insignificant on it’s own, but when small steps are taken with consistency and determination, the miles will pass, and you will be closer to your destination.
But without the daily steps, you will be no closer to your goal.
This first requires a clear picture of the destination you are walking toward. Otherwise you will wander aimlessly, and it will be easy to lose focus because you have no target.
Secondly, it requires the daily effort to take the necessary step that day.
Is your goal financial independence? Investing money today will increase your probability of success due to the principle of compounding interest. The sooner you start, the greater the gain. It requires short-term sacrifice for long-term benefit.
Is your goal fitness and health? Exercising for 30 minutes every day will produce a body that is strong and fit. It costs time and sweat today, but it will produce a lifestyle that you will benefit.
Is your goal to deepen your faith? Invest time reading the Bible and praying every day. The small steps may not seem to make much of a difference at first. But when we press forward with consistency, our lives will be changed, without our realizing it during the process.
The world looks for a quick fix. We are inclined to want to achieve our goals without the sacrifice that is often necessary. Progress will be made through a deliberate and purposeful pursuit. One thing is for sure: we will not grow if we do not go. The small steps will add up.
Do something every day that moves you closer to your goal.
One foot in front of the other.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9