Well to the Core With Robin LongSample

Small Steps

When we want something to be different in our lives—whether for our body, mind, or spirit—it’s tempting to attempt a complete overhaul. We set our sights on grand gestures, lofty goals, and drastic resolutions. We think we need to change everything all at once. But these kinds of large-scale changes rarely stick.

If you want to exercise more, start by moving your body and discovering what forms of movement you genuinely enjoy. This could look like sneaking a few short walks into your day, taking regular stretch breaks while you work, dancing around the living room at the end of a long day, or taking the stairs when you’re running errands. The next time you need a break from a project you’re working on, consider taking a ten-minute walk instead of scrolling on social media. You’ll return more refreshed, energized, and focused.

Before you get caught up in complicated workout plans and daunting commitments, shift your focus to moving your body as often as you can in ways you actually enjoy. Every little bit counts. And before long, we’ll be able to look over our shoulders and see how those little steps added up to a long and beautiful journey, even if it’s filled with twists and turns.

If you’re trying to make a shift in your spiritual life, your best bet is to focus on the basics and keep it simple. If you want to pray more, commit to five minutes a day at first. If you’d like to read your Bible, try a chapter a day. You might even want to build the habit into something you already do, like listening to a Bible podcast while you’re driving in your car or on a walk.

Instead of viewing spiritual practices as a chore or something you’re required to do to earn God’s approval, explore ways to connect with God that fit the way you’re wired and that bring you joy. We’re more likely to stick with a commitment if we take it one day at a time, one step at a time. And we’re much more consistent when we do it out of love rather than obligation.

Small changes can lead to big transformations. This is the secret to long-term success. This is the ticket to a life of wellness and balance—physically and spiritually.

Like today’s verse says, we shouldn’t look down on small beginnings. The Lord rejoices over those beginning steps, no matter how small. And so can we!