One small, authentic action.  Take those small, authentic, inspired actions consistently and you can get to where you want to be relatively quickly.  Take too big a step, it’s easier to get discouraged or fall, and it makes it harder to keep going.  I know when I’ve been out of the habit of exercise, it’s much easier for me to start slow, to get on the elliptical for even five minutes and be happy with that than HAVING to go for 30 minutes or more.  My husband says, “Oh, you have to go for at least 30 minutes for it to be worthwhile.”  But I have to disagree – if I keep moving forward incrementally, I’m much more likely to keep going.    I know me…if I get too discouraged, I won’t continue.  Start small…it’s okay.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Many years ago, during her aerobics heyday, Jane Fonda offered an aerobics class at a local community college.  I was attending aerobics classes regularly, so I thought this was no big deal.  The class lasted about 90 minutes, but it really was more strenuous than the classes I’d been accustomed to – and of course, not wanting to “wimp out” I tried to keep up with all the other people in the class.    By the time I left the auditorium and began walking down the hill to my car, I knew I’d done too much.  I couldn’t stretch enough.  The next day I could barely walk.  My lunch-time run lasted about a block.  It was nearly a week before I felt loose enough to resume taking my dance classes.  I still laugh at the memory of doddering down the hill after that class with Ms. Fonda, but it’s a helpful reminder to strive towards my goal, but continue to recognize when I’m starting to tighten up…what’s the wisest course of action at THIS point?

If you have to start taking baby steps to reach your goal, so what?  Just keep asking if this particular action is moving towards your goal.  Does it feel like a good step, even if it isn’t a huge leap?  If it brings you closer to who you want to be or where you want to be, trust it’s a good step, take it, and feel for what’s next.   We’ll get there!

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