Begin with what you have

By Rusty Potter

It’s easy to be amazed when we see Simone Biles soaring through the air, LeBron James dunking the ball with authority, or Stephen Curry weaving through defenders at the Paris Olympic Games. These athletes show us the heights that dedication, talent, and hard work can reach. But just as they didn’t start at the top of their game, our journey to success begins with the basics.

We might not be able to flip through the air like Simone, dunk like LeBron, or do a layup like Stephen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t achieve greatness in our own lives. It’s not about making huge leaps all at once; it’s about starting with what we have in our hands right now.

In life, we often face challenges that feel overwhelming. But just like Simone had to master her first cartwheel before becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, or how LeBron and Stephen spent countless hours perfecting their skills on the court, our path to success begins with small consistent steps.

Our first step is taking a walk around the block to improve our health, and picking up a book to expand our minds. These actions might seem simple, but they are the building blocks of success. Just as Simone’s first flip led to Olympic gold, your small efforts today can lead to big achievements tomorrow.

Remember, even the most accomplished athlete didn’t get there alone. They had coaches, teammates, and mentors who believed in them and helped them along the way. In our own lives, we can support and uplift each other, and encourage those around us to take their first steps, no matter how small.
So let’s take inspiration from Simone, LeBron, and Stephen. Let’s start with what’s in our hands, whether it’s a walk around the block, or a commitment to learn. Just like the journey of these athletes, our path to success begins with one small step – and from there, the sky’s the limit.