The first step is always the hardest

I’ve found myself in situations on more than one occasion where I need to ‘do’ something but the opposing force appears to be stronger than my desire or ability to proceed.

What’s your antagonistic rib? 

We’ve all been at that place where the thought of taking that first step and the anticipation of the associated pain it will cause has held our action at bay. 

Like the career you needed to change, but fear of whether or not you’ll succeed has frozen your actions. Maybe it’s the relationship that you need to re-invest in, but you’re afraid things won’t improve so you’ve decided to settle for status-quo.  

For me, these past few months (or maybe it’s been almost a year now) I’ve been dealing with an antagonistic rib in my back…it’s laid me out flat at times, caused me to wince in pain, and a couple weeks ago it got so bad I checked myself into the urgent care, confident that something must be broken because I was unable to breathe or find comfort in any position. 

Lateral path opposition

I had tried many different ‘lateral’ paths like pain meds, 3 different mattresses, overdosing on chiropractic…each providing only temporary relief. 

The largest disappointment though, the thing that really bothered me was that had given up on going to the gym because I ‘knew’ it would only contribute to the problem that existed.

The hardest step to take was the first

14 years ago it was leaving a job with a paycheck to join a friend and build a benefits consulting agency. Then again it was leaving a job with a great paycheck to help create a new company for a fraction of my then-current pay; and the gym, yes the hardest step was the first. I re-joined (commitment to the task) got up early (sought out the motivation needed to begin) walked in and grabbed that first piece of equipment.  

Was their pain? Yes, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Did I have a new goal? Yes! Drop the 10 (or 20) pounds I’d gained by procrastinating. 

Am I committed? After working out every day for the past 12 days and seeing the short term results, I’m more committed and I’ve regained the confidence needed to continue.

So, where’s the moral in all my rambling? 

Take the first step, whatever it is…get to it! Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back any further. Dig deep, rely on faith, develop courage…and take that first step! 

You can do it!