Take a Step: The Choice Between Staying Stuck and Moving Forward

Want to make your friends mad? Go on a hike, wait until they’re exhausted, over it, and ready to swear off nature forever, then hit them with this line: “You’ve got two choices: You can sit down and cry about it or you can get up and take a step.” Spoiler alert — it doesn't always go over well.

I’ve also been that person who listens as someone vents, and after a while, I ask, “What are you going to do about it?” Let’s just say it hasn’t always earned me a BFF Bracelet. But the truth is, when life gets tough, we really do have two choices. We can stay stuck, waiting and hoping for someone else to make things right, or we can take a step.

The Power of Choice in Everyday Moments

Let’s break it down with some everyday examples:

• When Someone ticks you off: You can stew in it, replaying the scenario in your head, convinced you are right, and they are wrong, and they’ll never see your point of view. Or, you can have a hard conversation, apologize if needed, and focus on what you can learn from the situation. Growth often happens when we lean into discomfort. Yeah, I know,  it's horrible and I still struggle with this one often. 

• In Your Marriage: You can withdraw, give the cold shoulder, and build resentment. But that’s not going to strengthen your relationship. Instead, you can choose to open up a conversation, listen, and commit to showing up and fighting for your marriage.

• When You Feel Lonely: It’s easy to think, "No one ever invites me. No one likes me." But what if you picked up the phone and invited someone instead? Maybe they are feeling the same way, and not only do you have something fun on your calendar to look forward to, but you might have just made their day.

• When You Want Change: Maybe you’ve been endlessly scrolling, watching influencers, and wishing you had their life. Or dreaming about starting that side business. The difference between staying stuck and moving forward is that first step—whether it’s cutting out fast food, making a budget, or registering that domain name. Let’s not forget I had “Girl Hold the Phone” for almost a year before I did anything with it.

  
  

Pity Parties Are Okay, But Don’t Live There

Look, we all have our moments. Throw the pity party. Feel the feelings. But at some point, the question becomes: What next?

Do you stay stuck, or do you take a step? Even the smallest one.

Maybe it’s reaching out for help, offering a genuine apology, or admitting you don’t have it all figured out. Maybe it’s praying one of those dangerous prayers — the kind that cracks things open and starts a pivot.

And let’s be honest, growth? It often tastes a lot like humble pie.

Growth is a Choice

I recently read "The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader" by James C. Hunter. He emphasized that leadership development is meaningless without action. You can attend all the seminars, read all the books, and listen to all the podcasts, but if you don’t apply what you’re learning, what’s the point?

He reminded me of Jesus in John 5:6 when He asks a man, "Do you want to be healed?" Jesus healed those who genuinely wanted it, not those who just liked the idea of being healed. In the same way, growth and change aren’t acts of magic. They require effort and action on your part.

Take the Step

So, if you’re feeling stuck, pause and pray. Ask for clarity. And then, take a step. Even if it’s uncertain, even if it’s uncomfortable. Because every step moves you forward. And who knows? That one step could be the beginning of a whole new path. You have the power to move. So, what are you going to do about it?