‘What’s the best way to train for a race?’
When I first got into distance running a common motivational saying always resonated with me.
“What’s the best way to train for a race? By taking the first step.”
This I would learn later down the line was a bastardised version of the well known Chinese Proverb
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
Laozi
Either way it’s a simple point illustrating that doing something towards the difficult thing, no matter how small and insignificant is still much better than avoiding the difficult thing altogether.
“No matter how slow you go, you’re still lapping everyone on the couch”
That’s another saying I’ve always liked that’s essentially saying the same thing.
Those days at the gym where I felt fat, sweaty, weak, making no progress, or some sort of combination of all four, always reminded me that if I was making the choice to do something, instead of choosing nothing, I was doing alright.
And it’s a similar game with blogging.
It’s over two months since I had retina detachment surgery.
Although I needed to take the time out, avoiding screen time has swiped the momentum rug out from under me.
Just thinking about sitting down to write has inspired nothing but brain fog, that I have no idea where to start.
After being out so long, how do I write that comeback post, showing defiance around setbacks, and that I’m back, bigger and better than before.
How do I regain that inspiration that flooded my imagination at the start of 2024, and carry out all the ideas I had.
I have no idea.
Overthinking paralyses action, and I wonder whether I should give it another week before getting myself back out there.
No… you’re not going to do that.
Stop over thinking everything, let it flow.
Start writing and let the moment take control.
What’s the best way to do absolutely anything?
Take the first step.
Wishing you the best in your success
James @Perfect Manifesto
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Perfect Manifesto 
It’s always good to see any blogger come back, but take it easy, James. I know you already have, but remember that behind every good blog is a blogger who is looking after themselves. And don’t feel disappointed if you miss a post or don’t hit any targets you might have set yourself. Enjoy the fun and enjoyment blogging brings and allow it to come to you rather than force yourself to blog.
All the best.
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Thanks Hugh much appreciated, I know in the past I would get to my deadline day and force myself to write something if I’d nothing scheduled, but started getting more compassionate to myself and let existing posts breath a bit longer – all good practice for when I did have to take time out.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best wishes, James
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Sounds like you are making progress! Learning to respect your limits is difficult for someone who is used to pushing through against all odds. This is a new thing and much healthier for you.
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“Overthinking paralyses action.” 💯
Good to have you back blogging mate.
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Thank you! Good to be back I’m wanting to write a bit more on that, but wanted to get back in the swing to do it justice.
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James, Get better soon from you eye surgery – sounds really painful. I know how your feel about getting back into blogging after a really long time. You are right – baby steps and not to over thinking – that is what I am doing. Slowly getting back into it, but it hard. Feels so funny to feel like a complete newbie – when we are not! We will get there. But, first make sure you get fully better with your eye.
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Thank you, doing much better can look at screens longer and have started exercising again as my recovering eye hasn’t caused me pain for a few weeks.
Returning that muscle memory with writing, been doing plenty at work so it’s adapting to the writing I enjoy in my personal time.
Thank you for your kind words, hope you’re keeping well too!
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