Without Tripping Yourself Up

I can’t even begin to describe how much inspiration attending this month’s in-person event with Steven Bartlett brought me! It was everything I’d imagined and more.

You could tell right from the start that a ton of thought and effort went into planning every little detail of the night. From the mood-setting lighting and music to Steven’s profound messages, and even the neat conversation starter cards they flashed on the screen during breaks—everything was just spot on for fostering connections among the audience.

Steven has a knack for asking questions that really get people to open up on his podcasts.

But what often flies under the radar is the cozy, comfortable vibe he sets up for these chats—it’s the unsung hero of the show.

One thing Steven said early on really hit home for me: the whole idea of “Shortening the 1st Step.”

It got me thinking about the pressure we put on ourselves under while ironically, trying to do the complete opposite.

January rolls around, and it feels like we’re gearing up for a brand-new adventure, maybe even like prepping for an epic hike on a scenic trail. We’re all hyped up, setting ambitious goals and dreaming big for the year ahead.

But just as we lace up our shiny new boots and hit the trail, by April, that initial excitement starts to wear off. Doubts and worries creep in, like those pesky blisters that suddenly make each step a bit more painful.

And then, come July, it’s like we’ve hit a rough patch on that trail. The pressure mounts, and it feels like we’re trudging along, exhausted and discouraged, just trying to find our way as the sun starts to set.

Statistics show that the performance of senior managers is greatly impacted when they experience high levels of stress, loss of control, and extreme fatigue.

Research has also linked overwhelm to many negative physical and mental health outcomes, including:

• coronary artery disease
• hypertension
• sleep disturbances
• depression & anxiety
• increased alcohol and drug use
• feelings of futility and alienation
• undermine the quality of relationships, and
• diminished long-term career prospects.

Just Walk

In the words of US Navy Seal, Jocko Willink: “Just walk. When you’re lost in the woods and you can’t see anything but trees around you, just start walking. Eventually you’ll come across a stream, then a road and eventually the trees will open up and your path will become clear.”

Activity Creates Activity

It’s not some mystical secret. It’s all about something called “The Progress Principle.”

Every little thing you do adds up and gets the ball rolling. It’s like a snowball effect—each small action builds momentum and keeps you feeling motivated to do more.

Every tiny step you take counts toward your goals and makes you feel good about what you’re accomplishing.

As we keep making our way through this year, just keep walking!