The other day, I was in the park, guiding my little one as she attempted to climb a small set of rocks. She was determined, her tiny hands gripping the edges, her feet feeling for the next step. But she kept slipping. Not because she wasn’t strong enough, but because she wasn’t looking down—she was so focused on reaching the top that she missed the steps right in front of her.
After a few tries, we taught her to pause, look down, and carefully place her feet on each step. The moment she did that, everything changed. She climbed with confidence, making it to the top without slipping.
The Temptation to Skip Steps
Watching her struggle and then succeed made me think about how often we do the same in life. We’re so eager to reach our goals—whether it’s a promotion, building a business, or mastering a skill—that we sometimes ignore the steps that got us there. We rush ahead, assuming momentum will carry us, only to stumble.
But success isn’t about speed. It’s about steady, intentional progress. Every step matters, and skipping them can cost us more time in the long run.
Looking Back to Move Forward
In our careers and personal lives, “looking down” means acknowledging our past—our experiences, our failures, our lessons. It means understanding where we are before we push ahead. Just like my daughter needed to focus on each foothold to climb successfully, we need to respect the process that leads to real growth.
Shortcuts might seem appealing, but they rarely lead to lasting success. Whether you’re learning a new skill, leading a team, or chasing a dream, the path forward is built on the steps behind you.
The Climb is Worth It
At the top of those rocks, my daughter turned around with the biggest smile on her face. She had done it—not by skipping steps, but by mastering each one. That’s how real success works. One step at a time, fully embraced.
So the next time you’re in a hurry to reach your goal, remember: Look down. Honor the journey. And climb with purpose.
Kenrick Vaz 