TAKE THE FIRST STEP

“An object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will stay in motion unless otherwise acted upon.”

Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion

It is not as important to take the right first step as it is to take the first step. Often there is a lot of energy and excitement as I dream with clients in verbalizing their dream or goal, but sometimes that excitement is not enough to get the ball rolling in the right direction. I have found two incredibly helpful conversations to activate the client to take a step.

First, what is the unfinished business that is stopping you from moving forward? Often, this list has nothing to do with the goal, but the items on it generate stumbling blocks. So, we verbalize the unfinished business, and we discuss and determine the best way to deal with it. Even if it seems small or simple. Simple tasks can become monumental stumbling blocks to momentum when not dealt with. Like Zechariah 4:10 says “do not despise these small beginnings” (NLT). It is the small beginnings that create the momentum we need to live life to the full.

Right now, many of us are feeling stuck from the uncertainty we face every day. In the midst of a pandemic, economic crisis, racial injustice, political unrest, we have put a lot of things on hold. Many of us have become frozen in time with a list of unfinished business. Is it time to make the first step?

After listing unfinished business I ask the very simple questions of what will you accomplish in the next 24 hours, and what will you accomplish in the next 7 days? Often, I ask my clients to actually make their list during our session, so I can ask clarifying questions to determine very simple steps of action.

Not only are these questions and exercises beneficial in a coaching session, but they are incredible time prioritizing and self- leadership exercises. Personally, I have found once I acknowledge the unfinished business (and it can be as simple as folding a load of laundry), I am motivated to do the task and move on to what I know is important and needed to move toward my goals. It is amazing how one simple step (a small beginning) can create momentum. Acknowledging the list AND taking action creates a clear pathway to move forward and make progress. Soon enough you are making progress every day. Momentum creates momentum. Coaching creates momentum.

So, what unfinished business is blocking your path today? Take a moment and determine what you can take care of in the next 24 hours and then do it! Maybe it is contacting me to talk about coaching options. Let me know if I can help you take the next step.