Tag Archives: movement

How often do you turn life’s setbacks into stepping stones

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How often do you turn life’s setbacks into stepping stones? It’s your next step — and the next — that make the biggest difference.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Amazon

Life doesn’t shape us with ease — it shapes us through setbacks.

How often do you turn those setbacks into stepping stones?

When things fall apart, most people stop, stare at the wreckage, and wait for something to change. But growth hides in movement — one step forward, no matter how small, begins to turn defeat into direction.

The second step builds momentum. Before you know it, what once felt like failure has become your foundation.

It’s not the stumble that defines you — it’s the stride that follows.

So, when the ground shifts beneath you, don’t freeze — step again and again.

That next step could be the one that transforms it all!

EXERCISE:

Consider reading The Obstacle Is the Way: The timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday to help you flip obstacles into opportunities.

“Move like you’re late and wait like you’re early.”

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“Move like you’re late and wait like you’re early.”

—Shane Parrish, author of the Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Andy Beales

Today’s quote can be a pretty useful life hack.

Think about it: when you hustle like you overslept, suddenly laundry gets folded, emails get answered, and even the dog walks faster. You stop strolling through life like it’s a Sunday farmer’s market.

But here’s the twist: when you wait like you’re early, you swap impatience for Zen. No fuming in traffic, no glaring at microwaves. You’re the calm cucumber in the salad of chaos.

Do both. Become unstoppable — a fusion of lightning speed and monk-level patience.

EXERCISE:

Alternate between these two mindsets throughout your day.

Move at a lightening pace on one task, then immediately approach your next one with monk-like patience.

Notice how the contrast can sharpen your focus and reduce stress.

The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon

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“The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but to hold a man’s foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.”

—Thomas Huxley, 19th Century English Biologist

 Image from Unsplash by James Quinerie

Today’s quote is a powerful reminder that progress is built on movement, not comfort. Each rung of a ladder represents a step forward — an achievement or challenge that prepares us for the next.

If we become too comfortable at any stage, we risk stagnation and miss the chance to reach our full potential.

Life’s journey is about continual growth using every experience as a foundation to climb higher. The purpose of every rung is to help us rise, not become a place of rest.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your personal and professional life have you stopped climbing?

Where is it time to take the next step or even move your ladder to a new wall to continue your journey?

“Just keep swimming.”

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“Just keep swimming.”

—Dory, in Finding Nemo

Image from Unsplash by Tyler Nix

I recently watch the Netflix series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. During his exploration, author Dan Buettner travels around the world to places such as Okinawa, Sardinia, Singapore, the Greek islands, and even places in the U.S. to discover the secrets of a long and vibrant life.

Among the variety of strategies for living longer, healthier lives is a focus on movement. Unlike many western societies where lifestyles can be fairly sedentary, it is pleasing to see the simple practices of physical daily chores and walking comprise a majority component of their fitness endeavors.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can and do your incorporate movement into your days?

How might a few more laps, a bike ride, walking with friends, or taking the stairs add a few more years to your life and life to your years?