Sometimes, inspiration comes from the unlikeliest of places. For me, it came in the form of a TV show called Shrinking. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a hilarious and heartfelt series featuring Harrison Ford as a grumpy-but-wise therapist alongside two other therapists navigating their own struggles while trying to help others. It’s equal parts funny and profound, and as I watched, it dawned on me—this show isn’t just entertainment; it’s a master class in human behavior and, more specifically, how we tend to get in our own way.

Watching these characters fumble through their lives with all their quirks and flaws felt like holding up a mirror. How often do we sabotage our own progress, clinging to habits, routines, or beliefs that no longer serve us?

For me, the answer is, well, often. As someone who’s always striving to be the best version of myself, I’ve realized that I’m often my biggest roadblock.

Take ADHD, for example. It’s a superpower on some days and a kryptonite on others. Pair that with trying to maintain a vitamin regimen (which feels like juggling flaming swords some weeks) and admitting when something isn’t working, and you’ve got a recipe for, well, spinning your wheels.

And isn’t that the most frustrating thing? Feeling like you’re working so hard but not really moving forward—just stuck in a metaphorical mud pit.

Here’s the kicker: the hardest part isn’t the effort. It’s letting go. We cling to what’s familiar, even if it’s not effective, because the unknown is scary. Change requires courage, and sometimes, a little nudge from life—or, in my case, Harrison Ford’s fictional wisdom—to clear the path.

So, how do I attempt to get out of my own way? I’ve found that the key is to keep it simple. Every day, I pick one thing—just one—and focus on that. Whether it’s tackling a task I’ve been avoiding, sticking to a healthy habit, or even just remembering to breathe deeply when stress hits, these small, achievable goals add up. And when I succeed? I celebrate. Because victories, no matter how small, deserve to be acknowledged.

It’s easy to get caught up in being overly ambitious, trying to fix everything all at once. But that’s like revving your engine in the mud—you’ll just get stuck deeper. Instead, I remind myself that failure isn’t the enemy. In fact, failing is just our “First Attempt In Learning.” (See what I did there?) Success isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting up every time, dusting yourself off, and trying again.

So, my advice to you is the same advice I’m giving myself: Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t quit. Keep going. Success isn’t found in perfection; it’s found in the heart of someone who refuses to give up.

And if all else fails, just ask yourself, “What would Dr. Paul Rhoades do?” He’d probably give you a disapproving stare for being a nitwit and tell you to get back to it. Sounds like solid advice to me.

Kim Van Meter is a former full-time reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Escalon Times and The Riverbank News; she continues to provide a monthly column. She can be reached at kvanmeter@oakdaleleader.com.