How to step into 2018
Stepping Into 2018
December 31, 2017
Day 1 - First step
I stood up, my hands wet from the touch of the cool Atlantic water. The midday sun hot on my back as I took in the expansive view of the ocean. Sunbathers basking in the late summer sun, enjoying the refreshing waters.
“This is it. Where it begins.” I thought to myself. I turned around looking East, past the beach town of Hendaye and unto the foothills of the Basque countryside. East, the general direction for the next 50 days, as I make my way through the Pyrenees mountain range to the Mediterranean Sea 560 miles away.
It was difficult to fathom everything required to make it to the other shore. Was I ready for what would meet me in those mountains? I had to trust that I had what I needed in my 17 lbs pack. Trust that I had prepared as well as I could physically for the trail ahead. There were no guarantees.
And so I took the first step…
This was to be the first of more than 1,300,000 steps, before I was able to touch the water of the Mediterranean on the beach of Banyuls-sur-Mer.
As we enter the new year, we are reminded that every day offers the potential to take a first step. While the New Year is a time for reflection on what truly matters and the lessons learned during the past year, it is also a turning of the page, the closing of a chapter and the possibility to start anew.
We approach this time with the best intentions, even hopeful naivety. It is in this spirit we create a fresh list of resolutions for the new year. However, even before the ink has dried on the last entry about going to the gym, or drinking less, we hear a voice in our heads. The one telling us, that similar resolutions in years past, have come to naught. That voice has a point.
So how do we create resolutions that lead to change?
Based on experience I have faith in our ability to change. This is why I coach. But change, while possible, is often hard won. To increase our chances of seeing resolutions come to life I suggest keeping the following in mind.
Firstly, for any substantial change to take place, both body and mind have to connect with the resolution (see Why I crossed the Pyrenees). Whether quitting a bad habit or creating positive ones, ask yourself if it feels right, if it is something you truly want. Pay close attention.
Notice if any item on the list has the word “should” associated with it. While those resolutions may represent positive changes, they don’t originate from you and will almost certainly not stick beyond January.
Make instead a shorter list of resolutions that align with what you really want to see change. Not only will there be a much higher chance for change, it will also give you an opportunity to check in with what really matters to you. Which brings us to the next barrier to change, failure to take the first step.
Taking the first step is what separates resolutions from good intentions. Committed action is needed to overcome inertia. Unfortunately, we often never take the first step because of our need to know the final outcome, or we become overwhelmed by the potential obstacles in our way. But any change starts with the first step, however small.
Taking my first step on that sunny beach, I didn’t know I would later get caught alone in a blizzard at 7,500 feet or run out of cash to pay for accommodation. I was still blissfully unaware of the sheer physical strain and pain of climbing and descending more than 8000 feet a day in rugged terrain. Had I known, I may have stayed home.
But as I proceeded one step at a time I experienced first hand the wisdom of Goethe’s words:
During the most challenging moments, I found that a helping hand would arrive to assist me. Whether it would be a moment of clear weather during a blizzard or a food basket one evening, when I arrived at a desolate collection of old houses with no place to eat.
As you write your resolution for 2018, ask yourself the following questions.
1) What do I truly want and commit to in 2018?
2) How do I take the first step, no matter how small?
Importantly, begin it now!
May 2018 bring you much joy.