We tend to celebrate big moments.
The new job.
The finished manuscript.
The business launch.
The degree.
The promotion.
The transformation.
What we rarely see are the hundreds of seemingly insignificant decisions that came before them.
One email.
One paragraph.
One conversation.
One application.
One walk around the block.
One decision to try again tomorrow.
Transformation rarely announces itself while it is happening.
While I received two “no/rejection” responses recently to some career advancement initiatives in the same week, instead of focusing on the rejections or changing the goals, I looked at what smaller steps I could take and where I could shrink the wins that contribute movement towards the larger goals. The smaller steps and smaller wins for me were using my new network contacts developed through solid referrals to gather information that strengthens me as a candidate for future consideration the next time I seek a similar opportunity. And I also acknowledged an unexpected win the same week of the rejections where a senior leader unexpectedly invited me to an event where other leaders were present, and actively introduced me to several of the leaders, some who may be potential future mentors for me in my career growth and journey towards my goals. That was a smaller win that I didn’t anticipate, but it is still a small positive step in the direction of my goals. Reframing the week’s experiences, tapping into my curiosity and creativity looking for smaller steps and wins instead of shrinking the goal itself, kept me committed to the goal, even when motivation was waning.
“Make the step smaller, not the goal.”
We’ve talked previously about shrinking wins and tapping into our curiosity and creativity. This is where it can be an effective series of tools.
When we feel stuck, our instinct can be to question the goal: Maybe I can't do this.
Instead, question the size of the next step:
Can I make this easier to begin?
That brings Curiosity into action. Rather than judging ourselves for procrastinating, ask:
What is making this difficult to start?
What is the smallest meaningful action available to me?
What could I experiment with instead?
What would make the next step easier?
Then Creativity helps generate alternatives.
If “write the chapter” feels impossible, open the document and write 100 words.
If “find a new career” is overwhelming, identify one person to talk with.
If “build my business” feels enormous, send one message.
Small isn’t the opposite of significant. Small is often how significant things begin.
Suggested Reader Action
Identify one thing you’ve been avoiding and finish this sentence:
The smallest next step I can take is ______.
Remember, each step, no matter the size, is one step closer to your goals and writing the next chapter for your story, because as always, Your Story Matters.