One step at a time
One step at a time. One foot in front of the other.
It felt like we were never going to get there.
There’s the top of the hill, it’s all downhill from there!
No, not quite, that’s a false flat, there’s more climbing ahead.
One step at a time. One foot in front of the other.
It was our fourth day walking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. An ancient pilgrimage route ending in Santiago de Compostela at the impressive Catedral de Santiago, the cathedral of Saint James. Dating back more than a thousand years, pilgrims walk many different paths to arrive at the famous church, and for many different reasons, some spiritual, some emotional, some recreational.
Regardless of the motivation, the journey (a minimum of 100 kilometers to qualify for a Compostela, the official accreditation of the journey) takes time and dedication, walking many kilometers each day for days on end.
On this particular day we were crossing the Montes de Oca, between Belorado and San Juan de Ortega, known for its rolling hills.
Only at the moment, those hills felt much steeper than “rolling hills”.
My walking companion and I had fallen far behind the rest of our group, and at our pace, we knew we were falling even farther behind by the minute.
We kept going, step by step, but it felt like we weren’t making any progress, that we would be walking forever.
Have you ever felt this way?
The author, right, walking the Camino de Santiago. Photo courtesy of Brad Berglund, Illuminated Journeys.
We kept going, placing one foot in front of the other. Left, right, left. A few pauses for water or to take in some food so we could keep going, but we didn’t stop. I think we both feared that if we did, we might not get going again.
Eventually, we caught up with our group, finishing a picnic lunch in a beautiful spot, shaded with trees. So peaceful.
When our group saw us, we all cheered. We were so happy to be reunited with each other.
So often, we find ourselves in the middle of the journey, taking step after step, hoping that those steps add up to the results we’re looking for, but having trouble finding the evidence of our progress.
And in those cases, it can be hard to keep going.
Trusting that the project we’re working on will finally be completed and produce the revenue gains we’re counting on.
Believing that the conversations we’re having with prospects in our sales pipeline will convert into the contracts our organization needs to survive.
Hoping that the miles we’re running week after week will prepare us to run that marathon.
So how do we keep going, step after step, when we believe it will get us where we want, but don’t see the immediate evidence?
When you’re feeling that way, here are three things that may help you keep going:
Track the small steps
It’s easy to get lost in the midst of what feels like a million little steps. Finding ways to track the small things that together build the progress you’re seeking can help keep you motivated.
Searching for your next job? Keeping track of each application submitted, connection contacted, conversation held can help you see the effort you’re making towards your goal. Building the MVP of your product? Keeping track of each feature added, each user interview conducted, each bug fixed can help show the progress you’re making for your big launch.
Find milestones along the way
When the final destination feels too big and overwhelming, finding smaller milestones along the way to track and celebrate can help the progress feel real.
Have annual quotas? Breaking those down into quarterly and monthly targets can help you stay focused on making forward progress. Signed up for your first marathon? Tracking and celebrating hitting your weekly mileage targets can help keep you on track.
Reassess with new information
Sometimes we feel like we’re not making progress towards our big goals because something’s shifted - Perhaps we come to understand the goal isn’t actually what we want or we learn the roadmap we have planned won’t actually get us there. Shifting our plans based on new information is key to continuing progress.
Going after a new customer segment? Perhaps there isn’t actually interest in the market for your product…yet. Reevaluating your product-market fit and adjusting your product roadmap may be key to your success. Looking for your dream house, but finding nothing in your budget? Perhaps you need to adjust your criteria or geography to find a home that will work.
There are many times in life where we feel stuck, like we’re not making progress even though we keep moving. Finding ways to track the small steps, find milestones along the way that we can celebrate, and reassessing our plans based on new information can help us keep going to achieve our goals.
Where are you stuck?
As you read this, are you finding an area of your life where you’re not getting the traction you’re hoping for, even as you take small steps forward?
Let’s talk. I can help.
Book time, and we’ll figure out how to get you unstuck and get going.
How will you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
May 8, 2025
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
