Take the next Step

We all know that feeling. The journey started with excitement and determination, but somewhere along the way, the path became harder. Maybe it’s the weight of setbacks, an unexpected twist, or just exhaustion pulling you down. Whatever the reason, quitting suddenly feels like a comfortable escape. In these moments, taking even one small step forward can be the difference between staying stuck and moving toward victory.

There is power in taking the next step rather than trying to run your whole race. I have just started running again after a long absence. I head out three times a week, guided by an app that helps me build my stamina toward being able to run 5km. The app uses an intermittent method, where I might run for a certain time and then walk for a set time, alternating between these for about half an hour. Today, the app doubled the running time and halved the walking time. I wasn't ready for such a leap and found myself struggling to meet the full running time. That was when I had a choice - stop running or just take the next step. I changed my focus and broke the goal down into chunks I knew I could handle. I told myself I could run for one minute. When I hit that one minute mark, I told myself again that I could run for one minute...and so this went on until I reached my goal. The key to my success was not trying to run the full distance in one step.

Do I feel a little sore—absolutely? But one thing I know is that I achieved today's goal. I succeeded by breaking my larger goal into smaller steps (literally!). This gives me the motivation to take on my next goal in my job. Even though it is totally unrelated to my running goal, by achieving the smaller goal, I have the motivation to take on bigger goals in other areas of my life. On my next running day, I will begin with the confidence that I have succeeded at the previous step.

If you feel like giving up, if it all seems too big and out of reach, change your focus a little and begin to break your goal into smaller steps. Yes, it may take a little longer to achieve, but the key word here is "achieve". If you give up, you will achieve nothing. By taking smaller steps, you still have the momentum to move forward and achieve success.

The Bible says, "The righteous may fall seven times but still get up" (Proverbs 24:16). This reminds us that even those with the strongest hearts stumble, but they also rise again. We don’t need to tackle the entire journey today or carry the weight of every worry—just one step forward, with God's strength, is enough. Think of it as a journey of small acts of faith, each one bringing us closer to the end goal. Often, it’s the very moments we feel weakest that God’s strength shines through the brightest.

To help you take your next step and receive some encouragement, go to www.philkinney.com