There’s an old saying that goes, “The first step is always the hardest.” Ironically it can also be the easiest. It ultimately depends on which direction you’re heading.

If you’re trying to improve something about yourself or the path you’re on, it’s true – taking the first step can be incredibly difficult. But if you’re going to settle for less than your best, taking the first step is amazingly easy.

Start exercising and eating healthier…. First step: Hard.
Lay on the couch and eat junk food… First step: Easy.

Create and implement a more productive way of working… First step: Hard.
Do the same thing you’ve always done… First step. Easy.

Habitually blame, defend, and complain… First step: Easy.
Be accountable, open-minded, and grateful consistently… First step: Hard.

A while ago, I decided to take a couple weeks off from writing this weekly column in order to focus on some big projects. That was two months ago. It was really easy to take the first step toward a “short break”. I’ll admit, it’s been dreadfully difficult to take the first step toward writing again. The irony is that I sincerely enjoy putting my thoughts down on paper. But somehow I convinced myself that all the other demands on my time were more important than something that’s truly fulfilling. As much as I wanted to get started again, I continually resisted taking the first step.

So what “first step” are you not taking toward becoming a “better you”? What’s holding you back?

If you’re waiting for more time, the right time, or a better time to take the “first step”, you’ll probably be waiting a long time. Take your first step today, you can always take your next one tomorrow.

Whether it’s your candidate, your kids, or your team, do you struggle seeing them with objective eyes?

Most people do. And many people don’t even realize it. For many reasons, we’re biased to see what we want to see and believe what we want to believe.

After watching the same presidential debate, most partisan people claim their candidate won. When there’s a close call in a ball game, most diehard fans see the play in favor of their own team. And when most parents are confronted with their children’s shortcomings, they can’t believe it’s even possible!

How objective are you? Whether at home or at work, hopefully you can see beyond what you already believe to be true. Unfortunately however, most people are blinded by their own biases and preconceived conclusions.

If you can admit that you often choose your biases over reality, why do you think that is? Why is it so hard to step back from the situation and try seeing it as it really is?

The people you continually defend will appreciate your blind loyalty, but everyone else will question your ability to see reality.