Recently, my son went shopping for shoes and found a pair that he absolutely had to get. We purchased the shoes and he was so excited that he changed into his new shoes in the car. A few days later, he was still so excited about them, he was showing them off to our neighbor (and I’m sure to friends at school). His excitement reminds me of all the times we have enjoyed a new job, a new car, a new friendship, a new restaurant, but then something happens. The newness wears off and it becomes another pair of shoes in the closet with the others. The job becomes routine. The car is just a vehicle to get us from point A to point B.

The same thing can happen with our goals and dreams. Initially, we are excited to hit the ground running towards accomplishing that thing we have been dreaming, hoping and wishing for. We put in dedication and hard work the first few days, months or maybe even years. But then, we become distracted, discouraged, frustrated, tired and lose hope of the dream ever happening. And then it happens. We begin to settle. We get stuck in a rut and live for buying the next new pair of shoes.

Life is a journey to be enjoyed. We should make the most of each moment and each day moving forward. One step forward—even if it is only a small step—is still progress. A series of small steps adds up to really big steps over time.

If you’ve lost your excitement over your dream, pick that dream or goal back up. Brush off the old pair of shoes and make them shine. Take a step forward today and regain your momentum. Make a commitment to move forward regardless of the wear and tear on your shoes.

~Coletta Jones Patterson
*Coletta is an author, business executive, life/business coach and speaker who is passionate about helping others go beyond stuck. Her latest book, “Beyond Stuck: Creating the Life You Want” is available on Amazon.com. Connect with Coletta at info@moveu4ward.com.