Small Steps to Success

Whenever we are learning something new, many of us have a tendency to get frustrated and disappointed if we don’t get perfect execution within the first few attempts. Not only that, sometimes we don’t give ourselves the chance to celebrate our own small successes because we’re too busy looking toward mastery of that next difficult trick. We try to jump across the river before checking if the current is too swift or if the river bank is too wide.

Approach with Curiosity

But what if we took a minute to enjoy the beauty of the river, respect and learn about its surroundings, and consider that we could build a way across it with small stepping stones. It might be a little slower than jumping or swimming, but it gives us more time and appreciation for the intrinsic nature of the river, and its certainly safer in the long run.

“Success is a journey not a destination – half the fun is getting there.” –Gita Bellin

Life is a Game

In my own experience, I have noticed that when I become obsessed with learning a new “advanced” trick, I start to get tunnel vision. I’ll spend most of my training session working on that one trick and end up grumpy and sore, instead of relaxed and playful. But, when I take the time to honor my own abilities, stay playful in my training, and break the big challenges into smaller ones, I actually enjoy my pole dancing session more and usually make more progress in the end.

The next time, you find yourself faced with a difficult challenge, take a step back to listen to your body, listen to your mind, and cherish what you have already accomplished. Then, evaluate how you can separate your difficult challenge into a series of more manageable challenges. For example, it is very counterproductive and unwise to try and lift 200lbs if you can only lift 100lbs right now. But, if you give yourself time, the proper training, and then celebrate being able to lift 110lbs, then you have a lot better chance to eventually reach your goal of 200lbs.

All steps, whether they are easy or hard, can still take you forward along your path, especially when you give yourself the time and permission to play in the river. When you celebrate these small stepping stones, you honor yourself and your journey.