A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with a Single Step

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” – These words were spoken by the Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu.

Why do we delay making a start on the goals we set ourselves, rather than just taking that first step? We often delay starting something because we get scared of the large perceived goal ahead of us. Perhaps we set the bar too high or expect too much of ourselves. Either way Lao Tzu makes a complex and challenging concept seem simple to tackle.

This can apply to anything in life, from starting a (new) career to beginning an exercise program.

We may be scared when considering starting an exercise program, through fear of an old injury reocurring or maybe we perceive it to be too difficult for us – “I need to be more fit to do that”. Often this is an “easy way out” to maintain the status quo of where one is in their life at that time.

It’s becoming phased with the potentially huge difference between where you are now and where you want to be, which can stifle you into doing nothing. If you or someone you know has been thinking of starting an exercise program and have been continuously delaying getting started, then remember that even the fittest of people had to start somewhere. Body fat loss? Pain reduction? Posture? Whatever your goal may be, take some action and get started, and don’t expect too much of yourself to start with.

We (Chilli Pilates) have put off sharing ideas and thoughts surrounding the realm of health and fitness for years. We’ve been providing group Reformer Pilates classes to our wonderful members for nearly 7 years this Summer. We set the bar very high for ourselves, but sometimes this can actually stop us from doing things, in case we don’t live up to our own expectations. I can also admit on a personal level that I have put things off through being overwhelmed by the size of the task ahead.

So, what did we do? We decided to just get going and this is our first article. It may not be spectacularly long, but we aim to be consistent and it’s the small regular wins which pay off in the end.