How to succeed at (my) life

This week I dug out my FitBit, something I haven't used in about 7 months. It was because of my over-use of the FitBit that I developed plantar fasciitis in the left foot (I've had it in the right foot for years).

I'm a walker, have to be without a car, so making 10,000 steps a day never really was an issue. The issue was pushing myself to do that before noon, and pushing myself to take 12,000 steps a day, 15,000, more.

So when I was no longer able to walk due to the pain, I tucked the FitBit away in a drawer without any intention of using it again.

Well, this week I thought I'd resurrect it, more for the time function than anything else. I recharged it, and this time, I set the bar low. Not 10,000 steps a day, which my foot cannot do for 7 days a week, every week. Nope, this time I set it for a measly 2500 steps.

And you know what I've discovered?

The secret--seriously--to succeeding in life is to set the bar low. 

Really low.

Because when my FitBit vibrates in the morning while I'm on the way to work, letting me know I've made my "goal," the pressure is off to perform.

Maybe I'll increase the "goal" to 3000 or more steps at some point, but I actually don't care. I've learned that if I set a small goal that I easily can achieve (and this case, without aggravating my foot problems), I feel good. Not crappy because I'm trying to achieve some media and societal "goal" that I won't be able to sustain. Not lousy about myself because I can't keep up with everyone else, am not in perfect condition, am not perfect at all in any way, shape or form.

Set the bar, and your expectations, low.

Appreciate what you can do and pat yourself on the back for all the small achievements through the day...like getting out of bed and getting dressed and just showing up in your life.

And most of all, be kind. To your own Self and to others.

Cellphone snap of the sky yesterday while on the bus going home.

Peace.