Keep Moving Forward

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

And then life happens…

The obstacles of life continue to challenge us. Just when we think we are having some positive forward momentum we fall, trip, stumble and sometimes we fail. If it, and usually it does, happen again, and again, and again, it can become difficult to keep moving forward.

Motivation wears thin. Energy is depleted. Emotions surge. Anxiety runs high. Dreams recede. Time slows down and yet the days pass quickly. We tell ourselves, “everything will be ok.” Others explain, “Life isn’t meant to be easy! Keep your chin up and head high.” We listen at first and then in time we tune out. This time we don’t feel like getting up.

What gives me the right to encourage you to keep moving forward? Nothing? Something? If you are reading this it’s probably because in some part of you there is desire and hope. Perhaps you are hoping that in reading this I deliver some kind of magic pill that solves your problems. I won’t be. I can’t!

What gives me the right? Because I too feel the pain. I too continue to stumble and fall. This year has been without exception. I have felt like giving in, defeated. Why bother?

I have lost tens of thousands of dollars in business opportunities that have failed. External to my control but very much an impact on my reality. And those things I can control I start to tell myself I cannot or I simply lose interest.

I have been in good health and then allowed old poor habits to re-enter my life. My health waned. As we all know when there are pressures in life other elements feel the impact. My relationship with my wife wasn’t in the best shape. How I was showing up for my kids was average. When I reflect on my poor behaviours I feel a little pathetic even though I realise I need to show a little self-compassion.

This is life. Life is filled with challenges and obstacles. Ryan Holiday, author of The Ego is the Enemy, got a tattoo on his arm saying “the obstacle is the way,” as a reminder that the obstacle is the way and to represent his other book, The Obstacle is the Way. Often in times of adversity and moments of despair, we actually have great opportunities, but we are blinded by shadows.

In the darkness, of course, we cannot see. When things are tough it is hard to remain positive. When it feels like the universe is against us and everything we try doesn’t work, it’s no wonder we find it a struggle to keep moving forward. And yet we must.

I recently went on a 4-day hike. It’s considered one of the “great walks” here in Queensland, Australia. The recommendation is to hike it over 4 days and to camp over three nights. I gave myself three days as it’s usually easy to knock a little off the recommended times. I did! Walked in at 10:30 am on a Friday morning and found myself walking out at 5 pm the next day. Not a bad feat. Just terribly bad feet.

I don’t mention this to gloat. I feel it’s a good example of how we can push ourselves to keep moving forward when things are tough. There are underlying motivations behind everything we do. There are those common to all life that I consider fundamental to all of us. Then there is those “surface” motivation, unique to the individual.

My motivation for completing this walk was accomplishment and significance. There is not too much more pleasing than achieving a goal. It is connected with our desire for status. I am also rather impatient so time was a good motivation. The sooner I finished the sooner I could move onto other things.

Then there were the underlying tones of pleasure and pain. The desire for reward and the avoidance of any unease or discomfort. Walking for 60 kilometres alone in the wilderness tends to push you a little harder. I desired the comfort and luxuries of the lifestyle I’ve become used to. The fear of being isolated for much longer, a desire to be with my children, also pushed me to keep moving forward.

I could have stopped. Turned back. Rested and taken a little longer to finish. I didn’t. In the end, my feet were blistered and leeches attached to my ankles left me bleeding. To and outsider this might sound terrible. Those that would question my intent, my ‘Why.’ However, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Experiences like these challenge me. They show me what is possible with the right amount of elbow grease and gumption.

An obstacle can often become an excuse to abandon our plans. With the correct motivations, we will seek a way through such challenges that we face. An obstacle is an opportunity to experience life as we have not experienced it before. It may test our limits and push us beyond our comforts but on the other side, after realising that this moment too will pass, we will be better off for it.

Stoic philosophers from centuries past practised facing adversity. Whether it was a planned food fast or putting themselves in experiences that most normal people would avoid. These challenges would prepare them for those days when circumstances changed that were outside their control.

I believe we can benefit from doing similar such things. A day without food. A weekend away from technology. A challenge to ask for a discount. To live a day on the streets. Taking an ice bath. Or to go on a hike alone in the forests. May all that doesn’t break us only make us stronger.

Finally, when we limit our options we have more motivation to climb over the hurdle in our way. I believe having a plan B in life is a good thing however too many options tend to make challenges less of a threat and giving up an easy out. At times on my hike I had no other choice but to continue moving forward. When we limit choice in our lives we gain more clarity around the direction we must take and become more effective to proceed. Minimalism is a powerful way of life.

Yes, life is not always easy. Yes, we will find it incredible agitating and uncomfortable at times to battle on. Yes, there will be moments we are drained of motivation and the will to keep moving forward. However, we must because when we do we have more experiences leading to growth and progress. Small 1% improvements everyday result in major lifestyle advances. We will experience more freedom, fulfilment and happiness.

And then life happens… again!

Leave your thoughts, comments and questions below. Reach out directly by email of social media. Peace, Passion & Purpose. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocat

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.