Push yourself forward

Picture this:  You’re driving down the road, everything is going smoothly, and your car suddenly breaks down. You pull over to the side of the road, stuck in the middle of nowhere.  You sit in your car staring at the steering wheel, hoping someone will stop and help you.  But as car after car zooms by, it becomes clear that help isn’t coming.

But imagine if you get out of the car instead of just sitting there, raise the hood, and try to figure out what’s wrong.  You may not know about cars, but you’re doing what you can.  Or perhaps you start pushing your car down the road, inch by inch, with all your strength.  Suddenly, something changes – people start noticing. A person passing pulls over, offers a hand, and before you know it, help has arrived.  

If you want help, you must be willing to help yourself first.  Too often, we find ourselves in situations where we feel stuck, waiting for someone else to come along and rescue us.  We hope for a break, or a helping hand to lift us out of our difficulties.  But the truth is, the first step toward change begins with us.  When we take action, even if it’s small, we signal to the world – and ourselves – that we are committed to moving forward.

In life, just like on the road, people are more likely to help those who are helping themselves.  When others see you making an effort, they’re inspired to lend a hand. But if you’re not willing to get out of the car, to take that first set, how can you expect others to step in?

This doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.  It means showing initiative, taking responsibility for your situation, and being proactive in your journey.  Whether it’s pursuing a new job, improving your health, or overcoming a personal challenge, the first move is yours to make. 

So, the next time you find yourself facing a roadblock, remember this: don’t just sit there and wait for help. Get out, raise the hood, and do what you can.  Push yourself forward, and you might be surprised at how quickly others come to your aid.  In the end, the most important help you can receive is the help you give yourself. 

Rusty Potter is a motivational writer and speaker dedicated to inspiring others to reach their full potential. He has completed four marathons, including one after recovering from a pinched sciatic nerve, showcasing his resilience and determination. Passionate about helping others grow, Rusty shares insights on goal setting, perseverance, and self-improvement, encouraging readers to overcome life’s challenges. He can be reached at potterproperties@yahoo.com.