Staying Is Easier Than Starting: The Secret to Lasting Change

In this episode, we dive deep into a truth that can transform the way you approach your goals and daily life: Staying is easier than starting. Whether it’s staying fit, staying sober, or staying patient, consistency and momentum make all the difference. We’ll explore why the hardest part of any journey is often the beginning, and how to push through those tough early moments to create lasting change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why staying on track with your goals is easier than starting over—and how to build systems that help you stay consistent.
2. The truth behind the phrase, “The first mile is a liar,” and how to overcome the hardest part of any journey.
3. Why motivation doesn’t just show up and how small, intentional actions can help you create it.
4. The power of showing up on the hard days and how consistency builds confidence and resilience.
5. Practical strategies to meet motivation halfway and create momentum in your daily life.

Key Takeaways and Quotes:

• “The first mile is a liar.” The hardest part of any journey is getting started, but if you push through, you’ll find your rhythm and build momentum.
• “Motivation isn’t waiting for you—you have to meet it halfway.” By taking small steps, you can spark the momentum that fuels motivation.
• “Consistency is the mother of mastery.” (Robin Sharma) Showing up regularly, even in small ways, leads to transformation.

Practical Tips from This Episode:

1. Push Through the First Mile: Don’t let the initial resistance stop you. Whether it’s starting a workout, a new habit, or a big project, remind yourself that it will get easier as you go.
2. Shrink the Task: On tough days, commit to the smallest possible step—like doing five minutes of movement or writing one sentence. Small actions create momentum.
3. Set Triggers and Systems: Pair a new habit with something you already do. For example, drink water when you start your coffee or do stretches after brushing your teeth.
4. Reflect and Realign: Regularly check in with yourself. Are your actions aligned with your priorities? What small adjustments can you make?
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Every small step forward is a victory. Acknowledge your progress to stay motivated.

A Personal Reflection:
In this episode, I share personal stories from my journey—like what I learned as a cross-country coach when I told my runners, “The first mile is a liar.” I also reflect on how sobriety taught me that staying sober is easier than getting sober and how showing up for myself, even when I didn’t feel like it, became the foundation for lasting change.

Resources and Thought Leaders Mentioned:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
• The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

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