Start the Race!

It's the 'start' that 'stops' most people. ~ Author Unknown

I have a simple question for you; how are you doing on your New Year's resolution(s)? Yep, me too. In fact, I think I've managed to actually gain more weight than I've lost! I was speaking with a friend about his progress and he said, "I think about it everyday so that's a start right?". Actually it's not. I use my own results as proof that thinking about something isn't exactly a 'start' worth bragging about. Many of us think about poverty, homelessness, violence, and education, but don't do anything about it. We also think about improved sales results, more engaged classrooms, completing assignments on time, and social action. Thinking about something just isn't enough. As I watch my son trying to take his first steps, it's clear that he's tired of thinking about walking and spends every waking second trying to master it. I suppose he's tired of getting through his days on his hands and knees and realizes he too must walk to make it easier to get to where he's going. Our children teach us the most valuable lessons if we would just pause and listen to them. Children hardly ever resist starting something new and seldom ever accept defeat if rejected the first time.

My challenge to you this week is to go back to your roots and 'start' something without hesitation. Don't give yourself a clever excuse as to why tomorrow is better than today to start doing what you need to do. My son teaches me on a daily basis what it takes to accomplish a task. Lock onto your target, make every effort to achieve your goal, and don't allow yourself to stay seated when you stumble. Get back up and try again! You can of course continue to allow the 'start' to impede your progress, but at the risk of my 9 month old son asking you how the view is down there on your hands and knees!

Alonzo Kelly
President
Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals