So You Want to Put One Foot in Front of the Other?

"Things that seem hard are not always that hard. Put one foot in front of the other, and you’ll get to the end." ~ Author Unknown

After years of being physically active, my fitness routine was slowly becoming non-existent. Consequently, I committed to walking every morning for 30-45 minutes during the month of April until physical activity was again a habit.

The Challenge of Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
One morning I stepped outside and began questioning my decision to go walking. The sky was distinctly ominous and wind gusts were so strong I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Nonetheless, I pushed forward determined to honor my commitment.

Better Days May be Around the Corner
Within minutes I rounded a corner and the wind tapered off thereby making my walk more manageable. Tumbleweeds blew through the streets, flowers were flattened by the wind, and there wasn’t another hiker or jogger around.

Although I considered walking for twenty minutes instead of forty-five, I pressed on despite powerful gusts which occasionally pushed me along and blasted my face with cool air.

Also see: Persistence: The Stuff of Legends and Heroes

It IS Possible to Complete the Journey
Twenty minutes later, I formed the analogy between my determination to keep walking and those who push forward to achieve a goal or dream.

The real “ah-ha!” came when I realized I nearly canceled my walk until I turned the corner and saw the possibility of keeping my commitment.

Similarly, when you embark on a goal or dream, following through may seem difficult at first. However, when you stay focused and committed, the winds will change in your favor.

Along the way, the winds may shift and temporarily upset your balance. Yet, by continually putting one foot in front of the other, you will complete the journey.

That morning, I put one foot in front of the other and completed a forty-five minute journey.
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Powerful Life Lessons from 5 of Ali’s Toughest Opponents

"We all lose in life…we can lose or lives, our eyesight, our health. And you just have to learn to live with these conditions and keep going." -Muhammad Ali

Facing Ali

In the film Facing Ali, Muhammad Ali’s story is told from the perspective of his most notable opponents including Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.

Ten heavyweight champions candidly share their Ali experiences as well as their personal tragedies and triumphs. Their riveting accounts demonstrate why they are champions both in and out of the ring. Here are five lessons I extracted from their intriguing stories.

George Foreman: Knowing Your Why
According to George Foreman, the global admiration Ali received from fans gave him a much bigger reason to be a fighter. Beyond being "The Greatest," Ali was admired for his courage and convictions. "He found something to fight for other than money and championship belts. And when that person finds something like that, you can’t hardly beat them," explains Foreman. When your why runs deeper than money, you become unstoppable.

Also see the video: What is Your Why

George Chuvalo: The Importance of Love
Through a series of painful experiences, George Chuvalo lost his wife and three sons. With the love and support of his friends and family, he overcame those difficult times. More than ever Chuvalo realized the importance of love. “I remember articulating to myself how love makes you feel. Love makes you feel strong. Love makes you feel tender. Love makes you feel secure. Love makes you feel appreciated. Love makes you feel important. We all have to feel like that,” says Chuvalo.

Ken Norton: Overcoming Poverty & Paralysis
Early in his boxing career Ken Norton was a poor, single father. “There were times that a gourmet meal for me and my son was a hot dog,” says Norton. He was literally hungry for success. Norton went on to defeat Ali in what was dubbed one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. In 1986, he was seriously injured in a car crash. He suffered multiple injuries and remained paralyzed for three years before learning to walk again. Norton proves that through hard work, will, and sheer determination you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Larry Holmes: Appreciate Who You Are
"I wish I was smarter than I am. But if I could write and read and spell as good as everybody else that got a college education, I wouldn’t be who I am." Larry Holmes is now a businessman. He is grateful for the path he has traveled because without those experiences he would not be who he is today. Similarly, we must be grateful for our experiences—even if they do not seem ideal—because they shape and strengthen us, and take us where we want to go.

Also see: Gratitude During Difficult Times

Ron Lyle: Patience is a Virtue
A hard prison life and a near-death experience were a part of Ron Lyle’s existence. His experiences in the prison yard and in the ring gave him valuable, enduring perspectives. "Fighting isn’t about how big and strong you are. Fighting is about how patient you are," says Lyle. In life, winning takes patience. No matter how talented you are it takes patience to realize your goals and dreams. Without patience you may miss golden opportunities.

These battle-tested warriors are proof that every step of life’s journey is meaningful and that you can overcome your toughest challenges through your attitude, beliefs, strength of character, and the love of others.

Which Ali opponent has inspired you with their story?

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Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

"Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."
–Gail Devers, U.S. Olympic Champion

As children, through stories such as The Little Engine That Could, we are taught to believe in ourselves and our abilities. Yet, since opening my first business fifteen years ago, I continue to speak with people who question their own abilities. My first company was a résumé writing service and I spent time interviewing clients to learn about their backgrounds and achievements.

Some clients felt they had limited abilities and little to offer potential employers. One such client had a goal of becoming a speech therapist. Besides pursuing an education in this field, she felt she had no real experience or qualifications.

During our session, I discovered she had been caring for her speech-impaired son for the last six years. As a result, she had acquired a wealth of information through her interactions with professional therapists and others who were assisting with her son’s care. With the help of these professionals, she cared for her son ultimately creating noticeable improvements in his condition.

She was pleased to learn her experience qualified as information she could provide on her résumé. So we did exactly that, thereby giving her the confidence and belief in her abilities she needed to begin her job search.

Sometimes people are unaware of their potential and abilities, particularly the abilities of the mind. Because of this unawareness, their abilities are underutilized. One way to build confidence and belief in yourself is to compile a list of your physical abilities (e.g., I work well with my hands) and your mental abilities (e.g., I have determination).

In the same way a résumé provides you with an inventory of your achievements, skills, and experience, this list will demonstrate what you have to offer. Like my client who was surprised to discover she had six years’ experience, you may be amazed at the abilities have to offer.

While The Little Engine That Could provides a valuable lesson in its "I think I can" message, you can further improve your confidence and transform your beliefs into reality by changing your language from “I think I can” to "I will!"

For more success strategies and tips, click here to download a signed copy of "8 Ways to Think Like a Winner."

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