the stairs to olympus

Written By Salvatore Iacona

Welcome to "The Stairs to Olympus" – Everything Begins with a Step

Hi everyone, and welcome back! If you’re here, it means you’re ready to take another step on this journey of self-growth and transformation. In my last blogs, we talked about the power of a good morning and the mirror game—two simple yet powerful moments that shape our mindset every day.

Today, I want to introduce something even more fundamental: the first step.

Every great achievement in life—every success, every transformation, every dream come true—begins with a single step. But that first step? That’s often the hardest one to take. It’s the moment when doubt creeps in, when fears whisper in your ear, when your mind tries to convince you that maybe staying where you are is easier.

But here’s the truth: If you want to reach the top, you have to start climbing.

The Journey Begins: The First Step is the Hardest

Imagine standing at the base of a massive staircase. At the very top lies everything you’ve ever wanted—your success, your happiness, your purpose. But looking up, the climb seems impossible.

You think:

What if I fail?

What if I’m not strong enough?

What if I never reach the top?

These thoughts are normal. We all feel them. But what separates those who reach the top from those who stay stuck is the decision to take that first step—no matter how small, no matter how uncertain.

Because the moment you start moving forward, something magical happens: momentum begins to build.

My Own Climb: A Personal Story

Last summer, I was in Austria for a holiday. I wanted to go on a hike—one that would take me to a breathtaking lake, sitting 4,000 meters above sea level.

The first 1,500 meters were easy. The path was clear, the air was fresh, and I felt strong. But then, the real challenge began. The next 2,500 meters had a steep incline, and each step became harder than the last. My legs burned, my breath grew heavy, and my mind started whispering:

"Maybe I should turn back."

"This is too hard."

"I can’t do this."

I wanted to quit several times. But instead of focusing on how much farther I had to go, I focused only on the next step in front of me.

Step by step, I pushed forward. I reminded myself why I started. I embraced the struggle. And after 2 hours and 43 minutes, I finally reached the top.

The view was unbelievable—a crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering mountains. The pain of the climb was forgotten. I jumped into the freezing water, feeling an overwhelming sense of achievement.

And in that moment, I realized something powerful: life is just like that climb.

Every challenge, every goal, every dream you have will require effort, patience, and perseverance. But if you keep moving forward, step by step, the reward will always be worth it.

Why Do So Many People Stop Climbing?

Most people never reach their full potential because they get overwhelmed by how far they still have to go. They look at the top of the mountain and feel discouraged before they even start.

Or they expect success to come quickly and easily, and when it doesn’t, they stop.

But the truth is: Success is not about taking one giant leap—it’s about taking small, consistent steps every day.

Think about it:

- The strongest athletes didn’t become champions overnight. They trained step by step.

- The most successful people didn’t wake up rich. They built their dreams step by step.

- The happiest people didn’t find joy instantly. They created it step by step.

So why should your journey be any different?

The Stairs to Olympus: How to Keep Climbing

Once you take that first step, how do you keep going—especially when the path gets difficult?

1. Focus Only on the Next Step

Instead of thinking about the entire journey, focus on what you can do right now.

- Want to get in shape? Start with a 10-minute workout today.

- Want to start a business? Research one small thing today.

- Want to change your mindset? Read one page of an inspiring book today.

Every small step adds up—just like climbing a staircase.

2. Embrace the Struggle – It Means You’re Growing

Every journey has obstacles. The difference between those who succeed and those who give up is simple:

- Successful people don’t stop when it gets hard—they keep going.

When your legs burn, when your mind tells you to quit, that’s the moment you have to push through. Because on the other side of that struggle, there’s something amazing waiting for you.

Instead of fearing challenges, expect them. And when they come, remind yourself:

- This is part of the journey.

- This means I’m getting stronger.

- This means I’m one step closer.

3. Celebrate Every Step Forward

Most people only celebrate when they reach the top. But if you do that, you miss out on the beauty of the journey.

Instead, learn to celebrate every step:

- Finished your first workout? Celebrate.

- Took the first step toward your dream? Celebrate.

- Pushed through a hard day? Celebrate.

Each step matters. And when you acknowledge your progress, you’ll feel more motivated to keep going.

Final Thought: Keep Climbing

At some point, you will want to quit. You’ll feel tired. You’ll doubt yourself. You’ll wonder if it’s all worth it.

But in those moments, remember this:

- Every step you take is bringing you closer to the top.

- Every struggle you face is making you stronger.

- The only way to fail is to stop climbing.

So today, right now, ask yourself:

- What is my next step?

- What is one small action I can take today?

Then take it. One step at a time, you will climb your mountain.

Your Challenge: The 7-Day Climb

For the next 7 days, commit to taking one step toward your goal every single day.

- Day 1: Write down your goal and the first small step.

- Day 2: Take that first step—no matter how small.

- Day 3-7: Keep taking one step daily. No excuses.

By the end of the week, you’ll be 7 steps closer to your dream. And once you start climbing, you won’t want to stop.