- Jan 16
- 3 min read

Taking the First Step

By Luci Fardo

"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance."

Nathanial Brandon

I have been trying a lot of new things this year. I have a lot of things that I have always wanted to do or try. I have a bucket list and a goal list. Some are work related, personal and my writing. I have been swamped with so many things. I started my zumba classes, pilates, yoga, spin and tried a boot camp workout. I also have been working on my guitar. I feel like we spend so much time planning that we fail to execute. We spend years sometimes thinking about doing or trying things. Before we know it years have passed by. I had a lot of great ideas when I was younger that had I executed the plans I would be a wealthy woman now.

There have been times that I was going through ruts and feeling like the day to day grind takes a toll on me. Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone and step out into the unknown. You must try to learn and try doing new things. I have known some really brilliant people who have put things off until it was too late. Nothing is guranteed in life. If you are thinking about working out just do it. If you are feeling tired all the time and listless look at what you are eating and how much you are sleeping. If you don't feel good and energetic you won't feel like making changes. You can make these changes and start feeling better. Once you make small changes and little steps it will make a big difference.

True change is about being consistent. It is about taking that first step. Don't look at other people's lives with envy. You have the ability to do so much more with your life. Everyone has a limitless potential. Take a look around and ask what you really want. Everything you want is there. You must have the commitment to take the first step. It won't be easy. You must make the reality that you want. To do this you must change yourself. Your life is a reflection of your choices in life. If you don't like it change what you are doing. Change is hard and uncomfortable. Someday when you are exactly where you want to be you will realize that the journey was the best part. Jim Rohn once said, "It's not where you are going it is who you become along the way." If you haven't had the opportunity to read his books or listen to his videos do so.

The point is we are going through life building it as we go along. We sometimes have to burn bridges with things or people in our life that are not beneficial. We must sometimes tear down walls to get to our destination. I have not got exactly where I want to be in life yet, but I am on my way. I had to take the first step so many times in so many areas. I have not regretted any of them because failure has taught me so much more than success ever did.

The important things in life come with a cost. I have found that my time is the thing most valuable to me. It is the one thing that you can't get back. You can regain money, status, and most other things. People you love and your time are two things that you can't.

You have to find something that you can offer the world that is of value. It can be so many different things. You may be a painter, writer, musician, or have time to volunteer to help people. Everyone has a gift and a dream. To fulfill the dream you must first take a step. All of the planning in the world won't get you where you want to be. Sometimes planning can be a form of procrastination. I hope that you decide this year to make a dream a reality. I would love to hear feedback from you about what you are doing in the coming year to move closer to the life you have always wanted.