How to do anything (explained in less than 275 words).

The motivational speaker Zig Ziglar used to say:

Go as far as you can see and when you get there, you will be able to see farther.

Is it really that simple, though?

We often feel overwhelmed by what we have to do (or, should do). We see it as a huge mountain that’s next to impossible to get over.

Our minds like to paint a bleak picture: they create doubt and despair about what can be accomplished. Mindfulness and meditation can help with that, which is why I’ve been practicing for 20+ years.

What also helps is realizing that, in order to do anything, you just have to start.

• If you want to feel better physically, start with a walk around the block and a healthier meal the next time you eat.
• If you want to be happier, start smiling more and say hello to people.
• If you want to be more generous and compassionate, start doing a random act of kindness for someone every day.

That’s it. There is no mountain to climb — there’s only what you do next.

This applies to things you want to change, too. Do you want to get out of a negative situation or eliminate a bad habit? Start refraining from the actions that reinforce and perpetuate those things.

No matter what you want to do, you just have to start. That is the difference between failure and success. Remember, you can always adjust along the way. After you start.

Despite the marketing hype, Nike has had it right for decades: Just do it!

Or, as Chuck Close (painter, photographer) is famous for saying :

It really is that simple.

There is no mountain to climb — there’s only what you do next.

Go do it.