Yes, it’s a line and the title of a popular 80’s song by The Police…AND it can be a good guide to help us remember how all change happens. One step at a time.
So many times we focus on the BIG task and it feels overwhelming. Rather than focusing upon the first step to take, many of us spin and spin in our minds as we put off starting, all the while the task seems to grow and become ever larger. This continues until we either make a half-hearted effort that really has no chance of success, or we give up and completely avoid it.
Sound familiar?
I want to encourage you now to let go on that overwhelming task ahead and instead focus on those times you have completed a task. Without exception, it started with the 1st step! For many of us, once the first step is complete, energy picks up, ideas start to flow, and possibilities appear seemingly out of thin air. It’s common to be amazed at how much was completed once the first step was taken and to look back questioning what was so intimidating about that first step anyway.
Stopping tobacco use is similar to any other big task. Taking the first step is usually the toughest…and once taken, the rest of the task seems more manageable with each successive step.
Every Breath You Take is another opportunity to start taking the first step toward how you desire your life to be (Tobacco FREE!). It always begins with one step.
Click here to learn how to quit smoking.
Dr. Richard D. Hurt is an internationally recognized expert on tobacco dependence. A native of Murray, Kentucky, he joined Mayo Clinic in 1976 and is now a Professor of Medicine at its College of Medicine. In 1988, he founded the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and since then its staff has treated more than 50,000 patients for tobacco dependence. Send your questions directly to Dr. Hurt at AskTheExpert@becomeanex.org
