The Big Impact of Little Baby Steps
Posted on 11 August, 2010 by Chris | 
8 Comments to Read
It occurred to me recently, that I have spent more than half my life learning about human potential, studying success and gaining insight from the world’s greatest teachers, all to feed my own curiousity about what really matters and what it really takes to create a deeply fulfilling life. A life of your choosing (for the most part), a life on your terms (for the most part), a life filled with more laughter, happiness, health and success.
I’ve learned that we – the average, everyday person – are capable of changing our lives in numerous ways, dramatic ways (!) and faster than most might believe. Many people are wanting or hoping to improve their situation in some way: to lose weight, save more money, develop more meaningful relationships, take on more interesting or engaging hobbies, travel more, give back more, and the list goes on. Many just want to feel alive again.
So what is stopping us and what can we do about? In our world today, it is so easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices and distractions that surround us continuously. Information overload is a new problem of the 21st century. The subsequent setback is that overwhelm usually leads to inaction. Our brain gets flooded with ideas, reasons, excuses and worries – clouding our best intentions and completely confusing us on what to do next.
This in turn kills our momentum and blocks our progress. Over time, lack of motivation sets in and it’s a slow, steady decline into a less than totally-fulfilled life of ‘same-old, same-old’ mixed in with regrets of what could have been. Before we know it, we have settled for ‘our lot in life’ and forget to imagine anything more for ourselves. This naturally leads to frustration and guilt about the gap between where we expected we’d be and where we actually are in our lives.
In my quest to understand the difference between those that do and those that don’t, and through all the “success strategies” and “inspirational stories”, the “best advice” and “insider secrets”, there is one success tip that stands above all the rest and never fails. One that the world’s greatest do consistently, and where those just starting their journey always begin.
When in doubt, take baby steps.
Nothing will build momentum more directly. Nothing will get you climbing the life ladder faster. Nothing will start to rebuild your confidence sooner.
When in doubt, take baby steps.
When you feel frustrated that you’re behind on your progress, just do one thing, no matter how small or inconsequential it may seem at the time, towards the direction of your goal. When you’re afraid at the mountain you’ve got to climb, just focus on taking the first step. When you’re stressed you won’t be able to do it perfectly, start by taking your best shot and adjust as you go, but just start.
When in doubt, take baby steps.
Baby steps may feel insignificant at first, but they are always better than standing still. Baby steps may feel too slow, but you will quickly gain momentum. Baby steps may feel too weak for your massive dreams, but they give you immeasurable strength to keep moving.
Take baby steps, and you stop doubting.
Stop doubting and you start believing (again).
Start believing, and you start moving forward.
Start moving forward, and you begin moving faster.
The only way to achieve what is important to you, to create a fulfilling life, and to live life on your terms, is to continue moving forward. Press on when the odds are against you, keep walking when the road gets rough and soon you’ll be looking back at the miles you’ve travelled, one baby step at a time.
When you think it’s too late to change, it isn’t, it’s simply time to take the first step, a baby step, and before you know it, you’ll be exactly where you want to be, taking giant strides once again, and watching your life become as fulfilling as you know it is meant to be.
What baby steps can you take right now? What is one action that you can do today to get unstuck? Leave a comment to let us know how this thought helped you and you will inspire other readers to do the same!
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Hi Jan,
You're absolutely right. I like your two list approach to avoid the "worrying about forgetting" (kind of a funny but true statement!). The other problem people give themselves with to-do lists is they don't make the items clear enough. A to-do of 'write presentation' sounds straightforward enough, but overlooks all the research, conversations, drafts and reviews needed to complete the presentation. So people end up stressed that the item took up the whole day and they didn't get everything else done. If you break it down to the smallest manageable chunks, you'll always know exactly where to begin, and begin with confidence, plus have a better idea of how much time the to-dos will really take.
Chris
The point that overwhelm leads to inaction really resonated with me. I tend to take an "all or nothing" approach which often leads me to give up (early) when facing setbacks and not meeting (unreasonable) expectations. Your post legitimises the value of slow and steady. From little things, big things grow. And I look forward to planting the seeds!
Thanks Chris
Hi Tania,
Glad this has helped to shift your perspective. Planting seeds is definitely a key to long term success! More about that in next week's Month of Momentum members area.
Chris
You're so right Claire! Most of all, small steps conquers fear, procrastination and all the other gremlins that get in the way of us living to our authentic best. Thanks for all your contributions to our site :) Chris
yes, small steps can conquer addiction, survive mental illness, pass an exam, raise a child, make u get out bed each day...
Lovely!
You're so right Claire! Most of all, small steps conquers fear, procrastination and all the other gremlins that get in the way of us living to our authentic best. Thanks for all your contributions to our site :)
Chris
Hi Chris
Very true about manageable chunks, particularly when it is a major task. Thanks for your thoughts and the podcast. I love it and have been following all of you for a while.
Jan
This reminds me of a chat I was having with my sister yesterday. She mentioned that a colleague said that 'to do' lists should not be used. My sister is a big 'to do' lister and was quite disturbed by this. My comment was that you should have at least two 'to do' lists, one for the current day which lists all the things you want and know you can do. The other(s) is your catch-all from which you can take your daily 'to dos'. The big list also stops you from worrying about forgetting what you need to do.
On reading your great post I should have said it was about baby steps. People see a long list and become overwhelmed. A short do-able list takes away that overwhelm and motivates you to keep moving forward.
And the next thing you know you are doing and achieving more.
Hi Jan,
You're absolutely right. I like your two list approach to avoid the "worrying about forgetting" (kind of a funny but true statement!). The other problem people give themselves with to-do lists is they don't make the items clear enough. A to-do of 'write presentation' sounds straightforward enough, but overlooks all the research, conversations, drafts and reviews needed to complete the presentation. So people end up stressed that the item took up the whole day and they didn't get everything else done. If you break it down to the smallest manageable chunks, you'll always know exactly where to begin, and begin with confidence, plus have a better idea of how much time the to-dos will really take.
Chris
This reminds me of a chat I was having with my sister yesterday. She mentioned that a colleague said that 'to do' lists should not be used. My sister is a big 'to do' lister and was quite disturbed by this. My comment was that you should have at least two 'to do' lists, one for the current day which lists all the things you want and know you can do. The other(s) is your catch-all from which you can take your daily 'to dos'. The big list also stops you from worrying about forgetting what you need to do.
On reading your great post I should have said it was about baby steps. People see a long list and become overwhelmed. A short do-able list takes away that overwhelm and motivates you to keep moving forward.
And the next thing you know you are doing and achieving more.
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