By Remez Sasson
The title of this article is based on the words of Lao Tzu, who said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
This is true not only for a long journey, but also for a short one, but in this article, I am not referring to actual journeys or trips, but to goals, tasks and actions. I am referring to everything that requires that you take the first step.
Even a simple action of drinking water from the tap requires that you walk to the kitchen, open the tap, and fill the glass with water. If taking the first step is essential for such a simple act of filling a glass of water, it is of vital importance to achieving any goal.
If you wait for things to happen, probably nothing would happen. You have to take the initiative and do things.
- Do you want to use creative visualization? You need to start visualizing.
- Do you want to change a certain habit? You have to take action?
- Do you want to learn meditation and make it a part of your life? You need to learn to meditate and start meditating.
- Do you need a job? You have to start looking for it.
- Do you want to be rich? You have to start planning and doing things to get rich.
Waiting, and doing nothing, do not create success, and do not help you achieve your goals, task or chores, but taking action does.
Often, laziness and inner resistance prevent you from taking the first step. Once you take one step in the direction of your goal, the second step would follow. However, you have to take the first one. It is the same if you want to sweep the floor, go to the store and buy milk or bread, learn a new language, find a new job, start a business or become a writer. The first step is always important.
Once you make the first step, it will be easier to overcome laziness and resistance. This would give your confidence, and strengthen your motivation and desire to succeed.
It is pleasant to daydream, but to make your daydreams come true you have to start walking in their direction. You have to take action. You have to take the first step, and then the second, the third, and all the steps that separate you from your goal. Any goal, small and big, financial, material or spiritual.
Remember the words of Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Also remember that a very short journey also begins with one step, the first step.
Remez Sasson is an author and blogger. He is the founder of SuccessConsciousness.com, a website and blog about self improvement and spiritual growth.
Remez Sasson is the author of several life transforming books, containing a wealth of information, advice and guidance.
This is an excellent piece of wisdom that can apply for help with procrastination.
I think a common blockage to success has to do with placing the pressure upon ourselves of taking giant steps to success. When we can only see a small, simple, DO-ABLE step, we need to take that step and trust that it is enough. You cannot always see how what you can do will do enough for you, so we need to trust that doing what we can is always enough.
When no action at all seems possible, try visualizing yourself taking some kind of action. You might even take symbolic actions. For instance, as you drink a cup of water you might affirm: As I take this drink I receive the power to prosper.
The important thing is to set into motion a flow of execution, that will naturally build momentum. The longer you do nothing, the stronger your inertia grows.
Thanks again for reminding us of the wisdom of simplicity.
Thank you Bob for your comment. I completely agree with you. It is always wise to take small steps toward the goal. This take away the pressure, and endows one with more self confidence and courage to handle the next step.
Thanks, this very excellent article, especially when we have hesitate to step forward.
Dear Mr. Remez,
Really a worth article to read…… and hence I have forwarded the same to all my friends, whom I care about, and wish that all others who read this mail, do the same as I did.
Excellent One!!!!
Be ahead in your journey ! Wish u all the best !!
Regards
Sandhya
Thanks for sharing a good article like this. I believe that even if you have the most powerful plan to achieve your goal, you will not be able to achieve it if you will not remove the fear inside of you to take the first step to do it. Making plans or decision to achieve something always require action.