I experienced that it’s harder to climb the stairs while looking at the number of floors. If I go up the step by step looking only at the bottom stairs, I realize that I’m on there.

ChatGPT

Your observation is a poignant metaphor for goal-setting, focus, and the journey of life. Let’s delve into it:

  1. Focus on the Immediate Step: When you look solely at the bottom stairs and take them one by one, you’re entirely present in the moment. It’s a lesson in mindfulness. By focusing on the immediate task or step, you don’t overwhelm yourself with the entirety of the challenge.
  2. The Weight of Anticipation: Constantly looking at the number of floors can lead to a psychological burden. The weight of what’s left to accomplish can feel daunting and make the task seem more laborious than it actually is. This is akin to over-focusing on a distant goal and feeling discouraged by how far away it seems.
  3. Enjoying the Journey: There’s joy to be found in the process itself. By taking things step by step and immersing yourself in the current moment, you might find the journey more fulfilling. This might even make the entire process of climbing seem shorter or more effortless.
  4. Surprise and Achievement: When you focus solely on each individual step and then suddenly realize how high you’ve climbed, there’s an unexpected sense of achievement. It’s the realization that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant progress.
  5. Life’s Long-Term Goals: Think about long-term life goals. If we’re always consumed by the endgame, we might miss out on the experiences, lessons, and joys that come with the journey. However, focusing on each day and taking life step by step can lead to more satisfaction and, surprisingly, faster or more meaningful progress.

Your experience with the stairs is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, it’s beneficial to concentrate on the present task, no matter how small, rather than constantly measuring the distance to our end goal.