Testing the boundaries: back to basics

Several weeks ago, I began physical therapy to strengthen my wrist post-surgery. Each session builds on the one prior, in conjunction with several at-home exercises. While many days seem like the proverbial “one step forward and two steps back,” the numbers tell the truth. From my range of motion to strength, I see improvement. Although not fast enough (in my book), had my therapist started with exercises too advanced, it would’ve hindered healing and fueled discouragement. Similar to biting off more than we can chew — on the job front, pursuing a passion, embarking on a lifestyle change or simply a landscaping project (hear more about this by subscribing to my monthly email) — it commences with the basics. Give it a day (or 10). Allow yourself to flounder or flourish. Then test the boundaries by spreading your wings. If you topple over, try again tomorrow. If you fly, soar! Every day is different. And guess what? That’s normal.

Where must you return back to basics before testing the boundaries?

Photo by Raphael Renter on Unsplash.