Baby Steps Up The Mountain

In your caregiving journey, you will face some daunting situations. If I can offer some advice, it comes from something my father told me when I was struggling in middle school.

Baby Steps Up the Mountain

It was the best advice I have ever received, and it continues to help even today.

Such a simple statement, but what an eye-opener. I never looked at life that way. Previously, I always tried to jump over the mountain in one leap. From term papers, cleaning up, or painting a room. I tried to rush through to the end, skipping the most vital parts. Why, because they were boring or difficult tasks. I just wanted them over with. Even though that approach never worked, it didn't stop me from doing it that way over and over again. However, my way didn't help the project. The results were neither great or a complete disaster. Let's be honest, they were usually a mess. Am I perfect with this advice? Of course not. Sometimes I still find myself trying to take the shortcut, but my dad's words come back to me, slowing me down: Baby Steps Up the Mountain.

Slow is the keyword. Are we speaking too fast for the individual to keep up? Are we walking at our normal speed, but your person is using a can or a walker?

So, with my father's advice in mind, I try to attack things differently. Now, before the start of any project, I review the task, figuring out everything I might need to bring it to completion. I write down my goals and the steps I want to take. You might be questioning this. No worries, I do these steps for the satisfaction of checking items off the list. Also, I don't want to forget any necessities.

For example: Do I need to call the electrician or purchase storage boxes before I start the project? Do I need to enlist family members or friends to help with the project or move items out of the way? Or how about ordering lunch or filling your water bottle?

The list is also there for future help as I work my way through the project. I might find an item that needs a battery, or maybe I come across a cabinet with a loose hinge. If I don't have the time at that moment to deal with those issues, and they aren't something that needs immediate attention, the list directs me to come back. It is also handy if you pass off any parts of the project, and also because who wants to try to remember all of that stuff?

The extra time that I spend with the list saves me in the long run.

Drop me a note on how you are practicing Baby Steps Up the Mountain

Here are some products that are great for goals and notes.

Project Planner Notepad

To Do List Notepad

Weekly To Do List