“The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” - Mark Twain 

This week overcoming means two things to me. One is being able to act despite fear. Another is consistently taking small steps toward overcoming challenges.  

As a personal trainer, the second definition is something I see often in the lives of people I work alongside. It is inspiring.  

Fitness goals seem daunting when one hyper-focuses on an end result—like the “perfect” weight. Fixating on idealistic outcomes makes progress impossible by destroying motivation and creating fear or shame during setbacks. It makes one occupied with the unattainable instead of on making small changes that are sustainable. Small steps, taken consistently, move one closer to success. 

Instead of a final, unmoving outcome, it is more helpful to think of a goal in terms of process. How can I help someone form doable fitness routines that fit into her life well? We can begin to create consistency by setting and accomplishing small goals for every day/ week that help her feel accomplished. Creating and building on these sustainable habits will gradually move her closer to her goals and build self-efficacy. This way of thinking paves a pathway to lasting change and gives her the courage and ability to accomplish goals a little bit at a time. 

I could use a coach right now. As I prepare to return to Asia for another year of teaching, I can only see big picture ideals of what I hope will happen and the fear of what could happen. 

It is looming before me like a dark forest I am afraid to enter. I find myself avoiding it entirely or longing for a way to supercharge my efforts and catapult myself to the other side in one giant swoop. Of course, complete avoidance and the thought of supercharged efforts means nothing is being accomplished. I am frozen in anxiety. 

A change of perspective is in order. It will not change the reality of my challenges. However, it will help me take them on effectively and sustainably. I need to separate my runaway anxieties from facts and let go of things I cannot control. I need to establish small, doable steps that will gradually get me closer to goals. I will remind myself of help and resources available for learning how to walk through the forest a little bit at a time and stay healthy on the journey. I can find courage in taking small steps that lead to overcoming anxiety and accomplishing goals.