One Step at a Time
by Sue Graber
Whether our kids are already grown or we're still blessed to have them at home, we all remember those days when our babies started taking their first steps. It's an exciting time to watch them venture out discovering new things. Our little granddaughter is getting close to creeping, then crawling and of course walking. She WATCHES her big brother closely and I can tell she is wanting to chase after him as soon as she can. But, that simply isn't going to happen until she masters some other growing pains first!
This reminds me a lot of how I feel sometimes in my business. I'm so wanting to get to the "walking stage" or honestly — to the RUNNING STAGE — that I forget I need to first creep and then crawl and master a few things before I move ahead. It's important not to rush into the "walking" stage without being patient and simply "taking one step at a time."
For most of us, we want things to happen instantaneously…. we're accustomed to drive throughs with just about everything – fast food, dry cleaning, banking…you name it…we're always in a hurry. But, what I'm learning is that sometimes by being in too much of a hurry, we can miss out on learning things in the earlier stages of what we are doing. And, if we take the time to DO IT RIGHT, and to let these good points become a habit, we will eventually keep building on to what we are doing, and advance to where we want to be.
One of the things I've had to really do as I grow my business is FOCUS. I can't just expect to get to the top of where I want to be without going through the necessary steps – I wont be able to "walk" without "going through each developmental stage" just like a baby does. I need to develop some skills and then practice those before I'm going to get to the point where I'm "walking"and eventually "running" and have mastered what needs to be done first.
This really can be an encouragement. I'm sure you've heard the comment "Never quit on a bad day." That is so true. But, it's also something many of us feel like doing if we don't get the results we want to see at the very beginning of our venture, whatever that might be.
I am learning to simply be consistent and persistent, just as a baby is who wants to move on to the next step. There are "fun" things that you learn along the way. Actually, it's a great feeling to know that you have created a good habit that will take you on to the next level of where you want to be.
Whether you are trying to lose weight, create a bigger team in your business, or perhaps grow in your faith – there are some similarities here It doesn't just happen overnight. There are "baby" steps to start with and then as we get going, we take on a few more steps that lead us where we want to be.
If losing weight is our goal, we need to start with the baby steps of maybe giving up sweets, then adding healthier choices for each meal, adding in the exercise.. and eventually we will be where we want to be.
Growing our faith doesn't just happen overnight because we want it to. Having a personal relationship with Jesus, reading the Scriptures, and being willing to be "clay" in the potter's hand. God has plans for each of us if we are only willing to be used by Him .. He places individuals into our lives for us to minister to and those we need at times to be ministered by. The days that I take the time to do my devotions and have that one-on-one time with Him grows my faith.
In the area of business, building a team or simply growing our business starts with us personally working on our belief system, doing the things from the ground level and then up that will create the results we are looking for. It's going to be pretty hard to build a team, or to attract customers, if we personally don't believe in the product or service that we are trying to share.
It's important that we are PASSIONATE about what it is we are doing in our business. Others will be drawn to that enthusiasm. As we take the necessary baby steps, continue to be consistent and persistent in what we are doing, we will move forward and we will be able to mentor others to help them along the way.
Do you feel as though you are still in the "baby steps" of your business? What words of encouragement do you hold onto to keep you "in the game" ? Surround yourself with positive people and stay focused. I know you can do it!! Whether it's your personal life or your business life, just take "one step at a time."!!
Come on over to FB and share with me your biggest challenge in going from "baby steps" to the "running stage." I believe in you!!
Sue Graber has been happily married for almost 35 years, raising 3 daughters while working creatively from home as an administrative assistant and a fund-raising specialist.She loves reaching out to others in kindness and is on a mission. She has an amazing ability to teach others how to build and nurture relationships, spend quality time with their families while generating income from home with a greeting card and gifting business. Sue is passionate about showing others how they, too, can make a difference every single day!
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Passionate is the exact right word Sue. Nice post and I am off to run!!!