Why Taking Small Steps Works

I was recently reflecting on why I am a big proponent for taking small steps towards goals. When I reflect on my own life experience as well as what I witness with my clients. What I notice for myself is that as a sensitive empathic soul, I can easily get overwhelmed when looking at the big picture. While this has its benefits it can also make it challenging to step into action.

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Being sensitive means that I can see all the steps that will need to happen in order to bring a project / goal to completion which is what contributes to the feelings of overwhelm. In sitting with the discomfort, I observe that it can become difficult to even take a step or being able to discern what the first step would be. So the idea of taking small steps can be an interesting paradox in the sense that you may perceive it will take a long time to reach your goal and at the same time taking a small step means that you will be in action. By giving myself permission to take it slow and honouring my needs I open the door to being in action. In a world that is very motivated by quick results and deadlines, slowing down can present some challenges. The beautiful thing about taking a step is that usually the next steps and the motivation to continue, present themselves quite quickly and before you know it you have created some momentum.

"When in doubt, just take the next small step" ~ Paulo Coelho

Recently, when working with a healing practitioner I learned that I needed to make some significant changes to the foods I consume. I needed to eliminate, dairy, gluten, nightshades, and histamine causing foods. I immediately knew that this was a fairly significant shift that would take effort and time to achieve. At the time, I was also getting ready to move into a new home. While I had the desire to change everything right away, I knew that wasn't realistic. I did however want to get started. My first step was to start with breakfast and my morning routine. I needed to vary the foods I was eating for breakfast and start my day with a glass of lemon water. These small steps created a foundation to build from and even though I hadn't set the intention I naturally began to take additional steps.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" ~ Lao Tzu

3 things to consider when creating your first small step:

1) Give yourself permission to let go of the big picture / vision.

2) Trust the process will create momentum.

3) Identify your first small step and take action.