Victory Often Follows the Next Uncomfortable Step

One hundred and ten feet straight up, no option to turn back, and enemy bullets raining down from above. This was the situation facing what President Ronald Reagan called “the boys of Pointe du Hoc.” June 6, 1944, which we all remember as D-Day, was a critical turning point in World War II.  For these Army Rangers who landed on the narrow beach below Pointe du Hoc, their assignment was as tough as one could imagine:  Scale a vertical 110-foot cliff using rope ladders and eliminate the Nazi gun turrets stationed on top of the cliffs that were raining terror on fellow Allied soldiers and ships landing on nearby beaches.

Lt. P.C. Johnson was the first soldier to start the ascent and as history notes, the objective was obtained and “the boys of Pointe du Hoc” saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives through their courage and effort. However, this victory would not have been possible without someone – in this case, all 155 Rangers – being willing to take “the next uncomfortable step.”

Focusing on our ultimate goal keeps us motivated and is extremely important, but if we only think about the final destination, we will likely not arrive.  Many people don’t reach goals they could certainly obtain simply because they don’t want to take that first, oftentimes uncomfortable, step.

We have been blessed over the last several years to watch each of our grandchildren as they begin to walk. The hardest step was the first one! They were each clearly uncomfortable to take that first step without the aid of their mom or dad.  But you know what? Within a few days they were moving comfortably everywhere – giggling at their newfound freedom and accomplishment!

Unfortunately, as we grow into adulthood, many of us find it harder and harder to take the next uncomfortable step, whether that is our relationships, careers, faith, and health.  However, as the boys of Pointe du Hoc and our little grandchildren proved, the victory or the blessing is often there – just beyond the next uncomfortable step.

As I said in my recent book, Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon, “Most people don’t grow in leaps and bounds. They do so one deliberate, uncomfortable step at a time.”

While the “ready, fire, aim” approach is not a recipe for success, having to already know the outcome of any action will keep us from experiencing satisfaction of taking a risk and having it lead to a desired accomplishment. Does it mean things will always workout the way we want them?  Of course not, but one thing is certain, refusing to take the risk of the next step will for certain keep us from accomplishing that goal.

Anytime I am taught a lesson, or I am teaching a lesson, I like to walk away with A.C.T. – action, consider, takeaway. Here are some suggestions for you relating to taking “the next uncomfortable step.”

ACTION

Think about, or better yet write down, the past major inflection points in your life, and honestly ask yourself if you avoided taking the next uncomfortable step, and if so, what did we potentially miss? One of my missed uncomfortable steps was when I was 17 years old. I received a letter from my congressman that I was being considered as one of his nominees for the United States Air Force Academy. I never followed up to show my interest. To this day, I really don’t know why – but some type of fear kept me from at least exploring the possibility. Not sure if I would have received the nomination or not, but I do wonder on occasion what would have happened if I had.

CONSIDER

What kept you from taking that uncomfortable step? Was it fear of the unknown? Fear of loss? Unclear final goal? Analyze this question and develop a plan to overcome that the next time that next step in your quest feels uncomfortable. The best way to battle through the fear of the next uncomfortable step is to make sure:

1) the goal is clear;

2) the reason for the goal is important; and

3) the plan (which can be adjusted on the journey) to reach that goal is developed in advance of taking action.

TAKEAWAY

Commit NOW to taking the next uncomfortable step!

The Honorable Ronald E Simmons grew up in a lower middle-class family in rural Arkansas, but went on to co-found and build a wealth management company with $3 billion under management when it sold in 2019. Ron also served in the Texas Legislature for three terms. Governor Greg Abbott appointed him as Chairman of the Board of Texas Mutual Insurance Company which has over $1 billion in annual revenue and provides workers compensation insurance to nearly 70,000 Texas businesses.  Ron also serves as a senior advisor to the CEO’s of two public policy think tanks – The Heritage Foundation and the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Want to learn more ways to make your goals a reality?

Ron’s story shows that success is possible – regardless of where you start. In Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon, he shares real, vulnerable stories to help serve others and make a lasting impact. Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon is available online and in bookstores – click here to order your copy today.