Taking the First Step and Beyond

I. Introduction

Why does taking the first step always seem like the most challenging one? Yet, it is this first step which begins the physical expression and manifestation of our Commitments! It demonstrates that we are ready, willing, and able to live in alignment with our goals.

Our lives are comprised of both big and small Commitments at home, work, and in our communities which may provide standards, objectives, or an outline as to how we choose to live our lives. When you take the first step towards a Commitment, you are essentially deciding to “walk the talk.”

II. What is your “Why?”

When creating a goal, it is so important to connect with your “why.” Why is this Commitment important to you? What outcome are you looking to accomplish? When we become disconnected from our goal, it is often because we are also disconnected with the reason why we began to work towards it in the first place. Creating a strong understanding as to why you are making a Commitment, provides you with reinforcement accessible to you throughout your entire journey. We all know that storms are sure to come, but each storm is not meant to uproot your routine and goals. Remaining firm in your “why” grounds you during these challenging times and makes it less likely for you to disconnect from your Commitment.

Further, our “why” must be personal to us and cannot be based or dependent on another person. For example, if we choose to sign-up for a dance course because a friend is doing it, what happens when that friend decides to stop? That is not to say that having a “go with the flow” or “just because” attitude is bad, but it may not be ideal when it comes to making a serious Commitment.

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III. Why Not Take Initiative?

One of the most powerful things that we can do for ourselves is to take initiative. Taking initiative is necessary for any sort of progression because without it, we remain stagnant. In law school, students quickly realize that while there may be a general outline as to how their educational track may unfold, it is entirely up to the individual student to actually make it happen. Words may convey the intention of a Commitment, but it is the actions behind the words which demonstrate an individual’s true ability to commit.

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IV. What is holding you back?

Sometimes the best question to ask ourselves is “why not?” Why not make that Commitment? Why not take the first step? There are some Commitments that are rather easy for us to make because we want to make them and we may even feel excited to do so, such as getting married. However, there are other Commitments that may feel more difficult to fully step into for various reasons, such as beginning a gym routine or committing to a fast. Taking initiative can sometimes feel challenging or intimidating, especially when it involves a big change or requires us to step outside of our comfort zone. Yet, a lot of times, what is holding us back is often all in our own minds, such as anxiety, fear and insecurities. However, I like to identify these feelings as tests rather than barriers. If I were to allow these temporary emotions to hold me back, I would not be anywhere near where I am today.

Additionally, a Commitment does not have to be super daunting or even long-term. For example, you can commit to being patient during a busy workday, or may commit to spending only 30 minutes shopping inside of Target instead of an hour this time. This relates back to your reason why you decided to commit, which is personal to each individual. Being reasonable and giving yourself grace when designing your Commitment strategy should minimize feelings that your Commitment is a chore or stressful. You should genuinely enjoy the things that you commit to.

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V. Conclusion

Although taking the first step may be the most challenging, one of the rewards for finally getting started is that each step afterwards becomes a little easier! The Legally Well theme word for the month of September is “Commitment.” What will you decide to Commit to? As you journey throughout life navigating your priorities and Commitments, always make sure to firmly understand your reason why, take initiative, and keep going!

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