The first step is to get started, the second step is to be persistent.

Everyone wants improvement, but not everyone takes the initiative to start something and maintain the persistent progress that is necessary to achieve the results we want.

In the world of wanting results now, our persistent progress is often times cut short because results were not instantaneous. It’s important to slow down and keep in mind that success might be just around the corner.

“Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success. They quit on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touchdown.” —H. Ross Perot

When it comes to our overall quality of life, we have no idea what yard line we are on in the game of wellbeing. Judging how close we are to winning the game based on how we feel is not a valid yardstick to measure overall function.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines human health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” How you feel and how you function don’t always line up yard for yard!

You may be on the 1 yard line ready to win the game, but your quality of life may be presenting information and signs that make you feel like you’re on the fifty yard line. In other words, you may not feel great, but that doesn’t mean you’re not progressing towards a state of wholeness and wellbeing. 

“History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.” —B.C. Forbes

Do you know someone who is discouraged about their lack of progress in the game of wellbeing? Motivate them with the these three simple steps towards persistent progress:

1. Think Ahead: make a plan that fits within your schedule and your budget.  
2. Be Resourceful: find that extra strategy or investment in your wellbeing to get the boost needed to get ahead.
3. Invest: little by little, over time, you can save money for the future. You can do the same with your wellbeing! By investing in your quality of life now, you can reap the benefits in your later years of living.

Life can be stressful and demanding! Don’t give up. Start something new and worthwhile, then be persistent with your time of investing into the big vision of winning the game and share it with others to help inspire them to get started.