Climbing a ladder with two out of every three rungs missing would seem impossible. The steps are just too big. Often, we face similar obstacles when striving to build our businesses and create radical lives. Our loftiest goals and dreams may appear daunting, and even taking the first step can seem overwhelming. We don’t know how to start something we’ve never made and can’t find the rungs to get us to our goals. Each step feels too large.

The answer lies in taking small steps consistently. Great strides come from small actions taken every day. Our journeys to success result from thousands of small steps along the way. By viewing our future this way, we gain control by choosing daily steps.

So, how do we eat an elephant? One bite at a time. The same principle applies to reaching our loftiest goals. Getting from here to there is not a giant leap but a series of actions. Starbucks didn’t appear on every corner overnight; they opened those stores one by one. Day by day, step by step, we can accomplish anything.

The small-step strategy works for all areas of our lives, whether we’re building companies, taking control of our health, or even increasing our walking pace. Small steps are the way to make significant changes.

A Five-Step Method for Making Great Strides Through Small Steps:

1. Choose a Goal: Start by selecting a goal. What is one thing you need to accomplish in the coming year? Choosing one primary goal each year and committing to the necessary actions is a powerful way to move forward with intention and achieve results.

2. List the Steps You Know: Frequently, we don’t have all the information we need to make our dreams come true. That’s okay! You can learn what you need to know and employ experts to fill in the gaps. Each step you take will reveal new information. Begin with the steps you know.

3. Make the Steps Small: Take a daily step, make them manageable, and ensure there are enough rungs to climb the ladder.

4. Repeat Steps When Needed: Repetition is key. The same action repeated over and over will take you far. Your efforts become more powerful when you practice, repeat, and refine.

5. Take a Step Every Day: Just as you can’t climb a ladder without moving up the rungs, you can’t reach your goals without taking consistent steps toward them. Commit to an ongoing series of small steps.

Many steps cover great distances, not one giant leap. The same principle applies to your goals. Keep moving, step by step, toward your dreams, and watch them come true.

Embracing the Power of Small Steps

The essence of this strategy is not only about making progress but also about gaining momentum. Each small step you take reinforces your commitment to your goals. It transforms a seemingly insurmountable challenge into a series of achievable tasks. The journey to success is no longer a daunting leap but a collection of small strides.

Remember, the road to success is paved with consistent effort and determination. Small steps may seem inconsequential, but collectively, they form the path to your loftiest goals. Embrace the power of small steps, and you’ll find yourself making great strides toward your desired life and success.

Action Item: The Daily Small-Step Challenge

1. Goal Selection: Choose one of your loftiest goals or dreams that you want to work toward. It could be related to your career, personal life, health, or any area you want to improve.
2. Identify One Small Step: Break down this big goal into the smallest possible action you can take today. This step should be so small that it feels almost effortless. For example, if your goal is to write a book, your small step could be writing just one sentence or brainstorming a book title.
3. Commit to Daily Action: Commit to taking that small step every day, no matter how busy or challenging your day may be. Make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
4. Track Your Progress: Create a simple tracking system, like a checklist or a calendar, to mark off each day you complete your small step. Doing so will help you stay accountable and visually see your progress.
5. Reflect and Adjust: At the end of each week or month, take a moment to reflect on your progress. Celebrate your consistency and the small victories along the way. If you feel comfortable, share your progress with a friend or mentor for added accountability.
6. Gradually Increase Complexity: As you build momentum and confidence, gradually increase the complexity of your daily small step. The key is to keep it manageable but challenging enough to move you closer to your larger goal.

By taking these small daily steps, you’re not only making progress toward your loftiest goals, but you’re also building a habit of consistent action. Over time, these small actions will compound, leading you to achieve what once seemed like an insurmountable dream. Remember, great strides are the result of small, consistent efforts.