You Need Only Walk

For every long walk, every challenge, every new journey, the way to come out successful is by breaking down the work into smaller, more manageable steps.

The majority of my career has been in schools, and a common thread in each community included summer reading for students. Summer readings help us learn and connect while our brain is in a restful, restorative state, and this gives us clarity for what matters in our lives.

A middle school class was once assigned Linda Sue Park’s A Long Walk to Water as their summer read. I reached for the book again this week. The previously dog-eared page that stood out most to me was something important to coaching.

“Do you see that group of bushes?” Uncle said, pointing. “You need only to walk as far as those bushes. Can you do that?” 

They did not look too far away.

When they reached the bushes, Uncle pointed out a clump of rocks up ahead and told Salva to walk as far as the rocks. After that, a lone acacia … another clump of rocks … a spot bare of everything except sand. 

Uncle continued in this way for the rest of the walk. 

For every long walk, every challenge, every new journey, the way to come out successful is by breaking down the work into smaller, more manageable, steps. Uncle was wise to give Salva small goals to keep him focused and motivated. He was also an important support in helping Salva set and reach each next goal. He walked beside him and encouraged him not to give up.

When the next part of your life’s journey feels like it is too far and difficult to reach, break it down into shorter, doable steps. Remember, too, to have others walk beside you. If you need additional support getting to your goal, coaching can help.