Keep moving toward your goals

A powerful lesson learned from rock climbing!

Sometimes in life we feel stuck.  We may have a goal, but are unsure of the steps to take to get there.  We can't see a clear path.  I am sure you have felt this way at some point in time.  I know I sure have.  What I do when I feel this way is to focus on one-step at a time.  I may not be able to see the entire path, but if I keep putting one foot in front of the other and take each step that I feel led to take I will keep moving toward my goal. 

This idea became crystal clear to me one day several years ago when I was rock climbing.  I was at an indoor rock climbing wall.  I was very new to the sport and decided to try a new wall that was taller than any I had climbed before.  It was a hard climb for me.  I was struggling as I made my way up the wall.  At one point, I even slipped and hit my head on a protruding grip.  Ouch!  A nice big knot formed almost immediately just above my eye!  I was determined, however, to make my way to the top so I keep going despite the pain.  I made my way about 3/4 of the way up and then I got stuck.  There I was hanging on to the wall, exhausted, sweating, muscles shaking, the bump on my head throbbing, but I did not want to quit. 

I looked up and could not see any clear way to continue.  I couldn't find any grips to move to that were within my reach.  Not only could I not see my next move, but from where I was it didn't look like there was any path that would get me to the top.  I asked my friend who was belaying (operating the ropes) down below if she could see a path for me.  She didn't see any either.  Ok... I thought maybe I will have to quit and repell back to the ground and try another day.  Afterall, I had given it a good effort.   

I closed my eyes and felt my determination kick in.  My intention was to reach the top!  I heard my intuitive voice say "take a leap of faith."  I opened my eyes and looked again at the grips around me.  None of them looked like they were within my reach... and more importantly to me at the time, none of them looked like they would lead me to a path that I could take to the top.  But, I decided to take that leap of faith.  I lunged for a grip that was just out of my reach.  Much to my surprise I was able to grab a hold and land on this new spot!  Wow!  I couldn't believe I had made it.  Then I looked up and I couldn't believe what I saw!  I saw a nice clear path to the top.  From this new perspective on the wall, I could see this path clearly.  I then made my way up to the top of the wall!  I did it! 

What was so amazing to me about this and what I took away with me was the idea that sometimes all it takes is one step - one leap of faith - to reveal a whole new perspective that will help us reach our goal.  Now when I feel stuck, I think of this lesson and I take a step... any step, and trust that if I keep taking steps I will reach my goal -even if I can't see a clear path from where I am currently.

So, if you are feeling stuck in any area of your life... try taking a step.  Just focus on one step at a time.  That's how all goals are accomplished - one step at a time!