Picking Apples

I came across a monumental point in a book this week that reminded me of how often we get stuck chasing a goal, to the point where we just stop. I would argue that taking the easy way is never good advice. However, this point encouraged me to explore what the next easiest step could be. Taking the easy way often means we are not challenging ourselves, making us complacent. We cannot always look for quick fixes. What happens when we are stuck in a moment of indecision, and have an unclear view of our direction? Well, what is the next step to achieving your goals?                 

Making sure we have a clear understanding of our goals is so important, especially if we wish to avoid getting stuck in the first place. A clear vision of our goals and dreams is a great concept and keeping that vision in the forefront of our minds is a necessity. We all experience moments when our plan becomes stalled, and we are unsure what to do next. Knowing our endgame, or our result can keep the dream alive, even when we are struggling to see the steppingstones of the correct path. Vision is important!                                   

We all understand the concept of gathering the low-hanging fruit, and how it might relate to something we are working on. As an example, imagine picking some delicious apples this fall. Do you want the ones that have fallen to the ground with bruises and insects on them, or the nice ripe ones still attached to the branches? The next steps of our goals can be explained in this way. Sure, the steps or apples on the ground are easiest to gather, but the best steps or ripe apples on the branches are the next best step to take for our personal growth and achievement. To achieve our goals to the next level we must gather the right fruit!                  

Acting is the only thing that can move us in our desired direction. Talking, dreaming, or writing about the dreams we have are great steps to keeping us motivated. Action is the only thing that makes the dream work. Even when we take small increments of action, forward progress is still forward. Sometimes, we struggle to see the direction we must take. When we take an action, that path becomes clearer, and it opens our minds to other questions, and we then experience a compound effect where ideas and action flow freely, moving us to our desired goals and dreams.

            What areas of your goals are you stuck, and lack clarity?  

            How can you tell the difference between taking the easy route and your next move?      

            When and how will you start the next necessary steps to achieving your goals?  

Holding onto the vision of your desired goals will allow you to choose the right steps of developing those goals. The only way to progress is through actions you take. I believe in you, and you must believe in yourself. We all get stuck from time to time, and the good news is, it is not permanent. It is a small moment, but the actions you take today will get you where you are going. Happy picking!                                       

Steve Bucks~ Personal Development and Growth Coaching

~Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member~

Interested in having a deeper conversation or a personal coaching session?