#6: How Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
Today we're talking about small steps leading to big changes. Now, I am someone that very firmly believes that, yes, there are big changes in our lives that propel us forward or feel like they're sending us backwards in a certain way. We mark our life with certain milestones of things that happen to us. There is so much power in the small steps that really goes overlooked. So that's what I wanted to talk about today and share with you as a reminder or hopefully open up your perspective to it in a different way, is that the small steps that you take can really actually lead you to new experiences and new big changes for yourself.
So what do I mean by that? I mean that how you show up for yourself in the small moments, how you decide on a day to day basis, okay, what are you going to do with your time? Choosing where you put your efforts, choosing how you show up, all of that has an impact on you being able to have the life that you want. This is not to diminish big things that happen, unfortunate things that happen, or circumstances. There's a lot going on in the world right now that is incredibly heartbreaking.
It's really a reminder that even with those big things happening:
How can you show up in those smaller moments?
How can you show up for yourself and your loved ones and really feel good about the way that you're showing up and not focusing maybe on that big event so much?
In therapy, these moments when you can look at the positive things that are happening are called glimmers. Jody Smith from Clarity Counseling Network spoke about that on my previous podcast, Change from Within. It's all about finding those small positive moments in the day instead of focusing on the big heavy thing.
The reason I'm bringing that up is because you can look at change like that too. Instead of piling on a whole list of expectations for yourself of I have to do this and I have to do that. Let's say, for example, you want to start working out or you have some kind of goal for your health and you say, okay, well, now I have to exercise every day in order to get to my goal.
There are a lot of small moments that can help you with your goal without making you feel like you have to climb a mountain. So maybe it's more about:
Did you move your body today?
Did you appreciate your body today?
Did you say something positive to it?
Did you eat something that made you feel refreshed and energized in some way?
It's all of these other little moments that people really take for granted. I don't want you to now go and start worrying about the little moments and saying, oh, well, in this little moment I didn't do this, or in this little moment I didn't do that. It's not about that, but it's really recognizing the power that you have in your day to day to decide to make small changes. Those small changes will add up to something big.
It's the same thing in business. For example, if you run your own business and you want to grow your business to its next financial milestone, let's say, yes, you can have a big milestone and say, okay, this year I want to hit. If you say you have a goal of reaching $500,000 a year, it isn’t going to happen all at once. You have to work backwards and kind of split it out into these smaller steps.
You're never going to hit that goal that you have if you don't show up each day. A lot of the time now, with the way our culture and society is going and looking at instant gratification all the time for everything, and the fact that our attention spans are getting smaller and smaller by the second, it's really easy to just look at that big goal and say, okay, I didn't make it. Then, beating yourself up and staying in that place, instead of looking at, what can I do this week, what can I do today that supports me with my goal? What can I do today that's going to get me showing up in a way taking action in a way that supports me in that future scenario of where I want to be? You can ask yourself those kinds of questions and then make it really small without pressure, without saying, oh, I have to do this pile of stuff? No, that's not what this is about. I'm not saying all of this to make you have more stress or anxiety or anything like that. It's really just to say, can you recognize and appreciate that the small moments can lead up to big changes?
In the small moments, when you think of it, can you decide and choose differently in those moments that are more supportive to you and your goals, whatever those goals may be, whether they're related to career, business, health or relationships?
Another example for me that I've used in the past is, is building community in France. My family moved to France three years ago, and in this time we were starting fresh in a lot of ways. My husband grew up not far away from where we are, so he knows people in the area, he has some friends. But for me, as someone new to living here, I didn't have a community. So what were the small ways that I could chip away at things and feel like I'm making new connections and, and starting some of those friendships and relationships so that over time, I could feel that the end goal of feeling comfortable here, feeling like I have found my place and that I have people in my life close by that I can talk with or go to a lunch with.
It's really about whatever you're looking at as that big change that you want in your life. What are the small things that you can do to support that? Because do not underestimate the small things. They add up every single day.
Your homework today is an invitation to reflect on what is that big change you're looking at in your life? Then, what are some ideas of small changes that you can make to support that big thing that you're looking at? It may seem really insignificant right now. It may seem like, oh, that's not going to matter that much. But actually, over time, it's a whole compound effect. Over time, it will make a difference.
Conclusion on How Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
This is an invitation to reflect on that for you personally and see where you're going with it and get curious for yourself of how this can support you. Do not to underestimate your small moments and how they can lead to big changes, because you have a lot of small moments, so you may as well use them in a way that's supportive to you.
If you're interested in going deeper with any of this work, if you'd like to chat with me about either human design or working together one on one, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Upcoming Workshop Annoucement:
The Decision Making Workshop is coming up on March 4th, so all of those are available to you if you feel called to join in any way. And thank you so much for being here. I really appreciate you. I appreciate your support with this podcast. Having listeners is how I am able to do this. And yeah, just sending you so much love and gratitude for the day. So have a wonderful rest of your day. Thank you so much and I'll talk to you next week.
Resources mentioned:
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If you’d like to connect further about unlocking the next step in your personal development journey, please feel free to reach out. I'm on LinkedIn and Instagram. I'm also on Voxer at @MaryClavieres.
If you want support with where you are right now, I'd be honored to work with you. You’re invited to check out my Human Design readings so that you can learn more about your own energy and how you operate. This tool is a powerful building block that will allow you to live life with less stress and more peace.
If you found this episode helpful, please feel free to share with a friend or a loved one, anyone that you may think about that would benefit from it. If you're looking for support on your journey in any way please don't hesitate to reach out. I am here for you, and I'd love to support you. Thank you so much for being here today. I so appreciate you, and I wish you a wonderful rest of your day.
Previous Podcast Episodes to Listen to:
How to Overcome the Fear of Making Decisions
The Easiest Way to Practice Gratitude in One Minute a Day
