Getting Started

Small Steps
It has been said that where we are in our lives is the sum of all the decisions we have made.  I believe this to be quite accurate.  That being said we then must realize that whatever condition we find ourselves in spiritually, relationally, fitness/healthwise, etc. did not happen overnight.  If this condition did not come upon us quickly then it is likely that the solution will not either.  

How to Begin
Nike says "Just Do It", I'm not sure it is that simple.  We need to assess our current state to determine where we are versus where we want to be.  Yes, I am saying we must have a goal (or set of goals), but no it doesn't have to overwhelm us.  If you were going to drive your vehicle from Arkansas to Michigan you would want a roadmap (GPS for our more tech savvy/dependent friends), and you would likely have a pretty good idea of where you would want/need to stop along the way.  This is analagous to our goal-setting, know where you are going (long term goal) and setup some stops along the way (intermediate and short term goals).  This is where many of us often fail.  We too often setup this aggressive, elaborate goal, but it should be long term, and we think we can get there quickly when it really needs to be broken up with some positive milestones along the way to provide short-term wins that build momentum for us. 

Just a Suggestion
As a Christian I believe all my goals should support my walk with Christ.  My top goal is to make sure that I am "in the Word".  I read my Bible every day, among the first things I do most days.  I track this by recording in a journal my daily readings.  This provides clear guidance as to how I am doing with the process of daily reading.  The harder to measure portion is the effectiveness of the reading, though I can tell you that I seem to recognize and recall scriptures when they pop up in services, classes and general conversation much better than before beginning this program.  One of my next goals is to improve my physical well-being.  Since the diabetes diagnosis (and others) in 2012 I have had to bring this to the forefront.  The end results of uncontrolled diabetes are scary and I don't want to go there, plus I want to remain able, as I age, to enjoy my family as well as to serve God in a very active way.  The reality of type II diabetes was a catalyst for additional discipline in my life that has spilled over into so many other areas,  Though I had been introduced and reintroduced to the concept of tracking over the years it did not become real or necessary until facing this challenge.

In the most moving speech I have ever heard, Jim Valvano's speech at the ESPY awards in 1993 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E) he said the following, "Don't give up, don't ever give up."  This was said only a few weeks before his passing of cancer.  No we don't want to give up, but if we don't get started it is irrelevant.  Start your journey, to wherever you are heading with a little contemplation and a ladder of goals that are unified around the important things in your life.  Take the challenge and remember, "With God I will. . . "