The Sands of Time

I hiked the dunes in Death Valley in early May—what an amazing place!

While I was on the sand, I couldn't help but notice the passage of time as the wind swept up the particles so that footprints faded in minutes. 

And across the vista was a mountain range that grew over eons, a combination of volcanic and seismic activity.

Quick change. 

Slow change.

Both were evident.

I know for me and for an awful lot of people I work with in coaching conversations, we prefer the quick change; it's more noticeable, often more tangible, and we can measure success right away. But quick change doesn't always equal lasting change. While we may know that lasting change often takes time for transformation, it's just harder to stay focused, engaged, motivated over the long haul.

Look at the sand dunes. The wind remakes the dunes constantly. Over time, there can be structural changes, but the surface is constantly shifting.

The good news is that while change often takes time, taking those first steps towards transformation can be immediate! Recently I've been working with the team from Tiny Habits as I learn how to integrate their approach into my own Health & Wellness coaching. BJ Fogg and Linda Fogg remind us that it is in keeping the steps small, being consistent, and celebrating each action, that we can wire in change.

And every small step counts! Just like each step across the sand, I made progress. And with the cumulation of steps, I had a new perspective. Progress and perspective help us stay motivated when we are working on changes in behavior. Progress and perspective help us stay engaged when we are working towards a particular outcome or goal. Progress and perspective help us stay focused in the moment because we know we are doing it!

Imagine being able to move mountains in your own life! How might you take one small step so you, too, can have progress and perspective that helps you create enduring change?