I'm better now.
But in 2018 I hurt: My legs hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurt.
Doctors told me this was caused by arthritis and pinched nerves in my back.
In late January 2019, I decided to try walking. So I downloaded the Pedometer++ app for my iPhone.
Then I set a daily goal of 7,500 steps.
And now came the critical part: Go for a walk.
So I put on my walking shoes, stepped out the front door, and closed the door.
That left one choice: Start walking.
I limped to the sidewalk. And then stopped.
The pain was so bad that I stood there for minutes, wondering if I should give up and go back in the house.
But a voice deep inside, shouted, "Keep going."
So I began walking (limping, actually).
Step by painful step.
After about ten minutes the pain began to subside a little.
And I finished the walk.
Then I went for a walk the next day. And the day after that. And the day after that.
Update: As of Sept. 15, 2019, I have met that goal of walking at least 7,500 steps every day for 233 consecutive days.
I walked in the house while it was raining. I walked up and down the hallway in a hotel. I even walked 7,500 steps while riding Amtrak. Yes, I walked back and forth on the train while it was chugging along.
Now, I'm about 80% pain free.
I hope you realize there's more to this story than overcoming pain.
This shows the power of:
1) Setting a goal for a specific, realistic action that you can control.
2) Supporting that goal with a means of keeping score.
3) Taking the first step.
4) Being persistent and creative in overcoming obstacles.
Consider: What single step can you take today toward an achievement?
Wish you the best,
Steve Kaye
Professional Speaker and Photographer
Inspiring Leaders Since 1992
See: Steve’s Web Site
(Dozens of articles, more than 600 photos, and 157 blog posts)