Steps we take in life

The Fourth Step

The fourth step is the loose step. I would personally call this one the false foothold. We fall victim to this step when we blindly focus at the peak. We become blinded by our goal's shining glory thus we forget about what we are stepping on. We gave in to the assumption that we are climbing a perfectly stable steps, but the truth is that it is as unpredictable as the weather. We may see it as a stable ground where everyone that had traversed it made it to the top unscathed.Though that is only the facade, behind it are the cataclysmic objects.

The question comes from its knowledge: "Now that I know it, I'll focus on it to avoid getting drawn into my goal or better yet, skip it and reach the fifth step." Both are plausible solutions, only if it were to be true. The mere fact that I called the false foothold is that it'll give two false security.

First False: Overcoming the third step will definitely give you a certain level of confidence, making you believe that you can make it. That is all good. But as you reach for the fourth, it'll boost this confidence or rather you will think that your confidence has reach a higher level making you 'over confident.' This will result to an adrenalin rush or the 'itch' for the fortune--your goal. Your tendency then is to look high and up; lingering the thought of gaining that goal. You're counting off your blessings even without taking hold of them.

Second False: Once you have been injected with the boost of confidence it will then inflict you the belief that it is perfectly strong--strong enough to hold you. The result is that you will trust it. Your worry will be erased, thus making you step on it full-weight giving you the momentum for a dash--reach for the goal sensation.

Skipping step is not an option. Every journey is traversed inch by inch. It's not a law that I have set, but rather a universal law that each man should follow without question. A person cannot skip the day he's about to wake up into without going through it. So, like it or not everyone has to make the fourth step.

Once you have been allured by the False Securities, your dilemma starts. The foothold you once thought secured will suddenly crash as you step on it. The weight in which you exert (is also the mirror of how much you have been allured) will determine the damage done to you. You will be hurt and at the same time trapped. You will be discouraged.

Discouragement is one of the deadliest enemy in the venture for CHANGE. Your only hope is either be empowered by others or you use your own coping skills against discouragement. Though for your coping skills to be effected should be rooted in values--a strong and steady set of values.

To go through the fourth step effectively or with minimal 'injuries' is to stay FOCUSED. Focus on what you are doing now, on what you have, and what is happening. Your goal should have been implanted at the back of your mind and should not linger on the price you'll be taking. Your attention should be on the steps you are making, because in whatever manner you make each step determines the CHANGE you will have at the end.