Step One

by Gigi Griffis

Step one.

It’s the hardest step to take. I know. Partly because it feels like commitment, like a cutting off of your options. Partly because it’s hard to know which step is step one. How does one actually begin to change a life, redirect course, do something wild and unconventional?

And partly step one is so hard because it opens you up to vulnerability and failure. What if the dream doesn’t match the reality? What if I can’t make it happen?

Today, I’d like to pause in my narrative to say I know how hard step one is. I know how daunting. I know how elusive.

But I also know that it’s the only way to get to point B. Whatever point B is, be it that trip around the world or building your tiny house or changing careers or sharing your art with the world or writing your novel.

So, I wanted to say if you’re stuck, I feel you. And to gently encourage you to take that step anyway.

You can change your mind later if you need to. You can step back. You can shift course. It’s okay to take step one. And you always have an exit if you need one.

So go forth. Write that first chapter. Start saving for that first trip. Book that first flight. Apply for that artist residency. Apply for that new job, even if it seems out of reach.

Whatever your step one is, do that.

Today is the day.

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6 comments

Sharon September 8, 2016 - 2:17 am

Thankyou, I really needed this today. Your blog was a key factor in my wanting to start up my own blog and write for ‘fun’. I need to get on top of it and move to a new host to have more control over it. To do that I need to take the first step and begin the process, I worry because I panicked last time and backed out and stopped writing all together but now is the time. I will be doing it this weekend. Thank you for the motivation x

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gigigriffis September 8, 2016 - 12:59 pm

Aww, yay! Good luck!

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Lynne Nieman September 8, 2016 - 7:51 am

Love this philosophy, Gigi. Thanks for sharing this.

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gigigriffis September 8, 2016 - 8:37 am

Glad it resonates. Thanks!

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Angela September 8, 2016 - 3:29 pm

Thank you for this – just what I needed to hear today.

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Henry / @fotoeins September 8, 2016 - 8:23 pm

Every day since about 2010, it’s been about that “next step”. Every day for the last 6 years has been about taking a new step beyond what I knew previously. “One foot in front of the other …”

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