Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 134 – A Thousand Miles - JP Fitness Forums

Mahler · 10-02-2006, 06:31 AM

(My Dear Friends, if you read the motivator and don’t wish to post a comment, just give it a bump to keep it current. Thank you.)

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 134 – A Thousand Miles

A Thousand Miles

“A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.” Those memorable words were said over 2,500 years ago by Chinese philosopher, Lao-tzu. They remain true today, but in our world of instant gratification one wonders how many are willing to take that first step, let alone finish the journey.

So often, and with the best of intentions, we make plans, resolutions, commitments and within a span of days they are soon forgotten. That single step becomes a sidetrack, a detour, a stumbling block. It’s as if we are standing at the edge of a pool and dip our big toe in and find the waters just too cold to dive in.

If we could only get past that initial shock, that chilly sentinel that won’t let us pass, whether it be a change in diet, schedule, lifestyle, or whatever it may be, we might just find the waters pretty damned invigorating and very refreshing.

Another “journey interuptus” is the result of flitting from one first step to another. How many times I have seen people start one thing and then move on to another and another and another, never really finishing any of them. Now, a few false starts may be a good thing. We all need to test the waters and find what works for us, but there comes a time when too many trials just become a way to fool ourselves into thinking we are taking some kind of action.

Why do so many people not start, let alone complete their thousand miles. Is it that they set out to fail? Is it that they want not to succeed? I don’t buy it. I think it’s because that journey was started, that thousand-mile trek was begun with a step, but not a plan.

When was the last time you went on a vacation, for example, and didn’t determine a destination, book transportation or plan a route, or make reservations? So it is true with any journey, whether it be a physical or mental one. There has to be some destination, even if it is a destination we may never reach. For it is good to remember, that progress is often made on the journey and not in reaching the destination. Enlightenment often comes in the seeking and not in the finding.

Regardless of that, it is important to set a goal and give yourself a fighting chance as to how you will reach that goal through preparation. A journey of a thousand miles may begin with a single step, but that single step, and every step thereafter, requires a decision.

(10/02/06)

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Have a Great Week!

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Jimbo · 10-02-2006, 06:44 AM

I needed that.

jj · 10-02-2006, 07:12 AM

Great words John! I have been that bandwagon hopper before. In my fitness life, I am stuck on BOM right now and currently on it longer than any program before. One step at a time!

OldGuy · 10-02-2006, 07:12 AM

Good stuff, and so true. Thanks for keeping us on track.

eastcoastsurfer · 10-02-2006, 07:37 AM

Good words to read as I sit here studying for the GRE so I can get into grad school. After bouncing around between going for an MBA or my MsCS, I finally just picked the MsCS and am going with it. I finally realized I was using the two choices as just an excuse to procrastinate.

GG300 · 10-02-2006, 07:55 AM

This is getting e mailed to a few of my friends who always have an excuse for not starting something. I know that I have been guilty of wandering away from the plan as well. Thanks John

FishrCutB8 · 10-02-2006, 08:06 AM

A plan...what a brilliant idea. Thanks, John.

Mahler · 10-02-2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishrCutB8

A plan...what a brilliant idea. Thanks, John.

LOL. Not brilliant by any stretch of the imagination, but we both know how many people haven't a clue where plans are concerned.

EdChap · 10-02-2006, 11:27 AM

Thanks, John!

gregl515 · 10-02-2006, 11:42 AM

Good MMM. That first step is a big, hard one to take.

Blackjack · 10-02-2006, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregl515

Good MMM. That first step is a big, hard one to take.

This is exactly what I've found. That first step is tough...once you take it, you wonder what you were worried about. Everyone is so afraid to fail I think. But you end up learning so much after those failures, yet it's still tough.

Good MMMM, good message.

Thanks.
Ted

PaPaLoAdS · 10-02-2006, 12:58 PM

Thank you very much for taking the time to reach so many people with your motivating words.

-Ramon

RacerBill · 10-02-2006, 05:39 PM

As a perpetual procrastinator I can certainly relate to this one. Thanks, John.

Kevin T. · 10-02-2006, 08:35 PM

Excellent post Mahler. Thanks again

Jean-Paul · 10-03-2006, 07:59 AM

Another gem by our resident gem!

gregl515 · 10-03-2006, 10:43 AM

Bump!

CAchief · 10-05-2006, 08:14 AM