The Next Step

She took the next step. 

I read a book recently where the author shared that it takes the brain 5 seconds to start protesting a change in habit. If I want to do something like get up earlier, I should get up when my alarm goes off within that 5 second window, before my brain builds a case that I shouldn't.

I realized that I have used this technique, without framing it in those terms, for a long time. When I'm walking and I don't want to walk another mile, I don't allow myself to dwell on whether or not I want to, I just take the next step. I focus my mind on something else to keep my thoughts from sabotaging my goal. 

But let's be real, there are many times when I forget to use this technique. When I believe I SHOULD do something but my heart isn't really in it, and I create space for my brain to talk me out of it. I tell myself, "I'll start tomorrow", "I won't be able to maintain the change", or "I can't do that".

The thing I've learned from reading biographies: People who do brave things don't do them because they aren't afraid. They are not blessed with a supernatural gift of self assurance. 

Every person I've ever read about who did something wildly brave, constantly questioned themselves. It wasn't one big choice they made to be brave. It was a series of small choices to take the next step. They made the decision right in front of them. Usually while questioning themselves and doubting their ability to actually do the thing. 

When something seems overwhelming, I break it down into smaller pieces. And then I take the first step before my brain starts to protest. Want to exercise? Don't think about how you'll feel while you're exercising. Just put your shoes on. Focus on that and do it. When you're done with that, start a song you love. Focus on that and do it. When you're done with that, open the door. Focus on that and do it. When you're done with that, take a step outside the door. 

Break whatever it is into pieces so small that it isn't at all intimidating. Don't allow your brain to defeat you by jumping 10 steps ahead to what feels overwhelming. Focus on the next step. And the next step. And the next step. 

Eventually all of those steps will add up to the overwhelming thing I felt paralyzed by. That momentum will propel me on to the next thing, and ultimately a life of courage and fulfillment.

Often in scripture God didn't call people who were self assured or an obvious "shoe-in". And he didn't reveal the whole plan all at once. He gave his people as much information as they needed to take the next step. And then the next step, and the next step. His plans are magnificent and eternal. Too big for our minds to grasp, and overwhelming for our finite imaginations. We don't necessarily need the ten point plan. Just the next step.

It comes down to faith. Having faith to take the next step.

What have you put off doing because it seems overwhelming? And what is the next step you can focus on?