The Power of Starting Small: How Tiny Steps Lead to Big Changes
My small goal is to relax more, and here I am, finding calm and joy nestled in a whale bone on the beach. 🐋🌊
“When you know better, you do better.” Maya Angelou’s words carry a simple, powerful truth. Change doesn’t require perfection—it requires a beginning. And that beginning? It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be small.
Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed. Their goals and dreams—big and beautiful—seem too far out of reach. They want to tackle a million things at once but find themselves stuck, spinning their wheels and making no progress.
But here’s what I’ve learned, and what I teach: you don’t have to do it all. You just have to start small.
The Magic of Tiny Steps
James Clear’s Atomic Habits explains this beautifully: the key to success isn’t about taking giant leaps; it’s about creating a minimum baseline. A minimum baseline is a small, manageable action that you can do every day—no matter what.
Instead of saying, “I’m going to read a book a week,” commit to reading one page a day. Instead of deciding to work out for an hour every morning, start by doing one push-up or putting on your workout clothes.
These small steps may seem insignificant, but they build momentum. With each tiny action, you’re rewiring your brain, building trust in yourself, and forming habits that last.
Why Starting Small Works
Taking small, focused actions does more than move you closer to your goal—it simplifies your life. When you narrow your focus to one task or habit at a time, you reduce overwhelm. You gain clarity. You shift from chaos to calm.
Here’s the beauty of it: once the habit becomes part of your routine, you can build on it. That one push-up turns into ten. That single page becomes a chapter. And suddenly, you’re no longer stuck—you’re moving.
Staying Consistent and Accountable
Even when you start small, life can pull you off track. That’s why it’s important to create systems to keep you focused. Here’s what works for my clients:
Accountability: Regular coaching sessions, text reminders, or check-ins can help you stay on track. When you have someone in your corner, cheering you on and holding you accountable, you’re more likely to follow through.
Keep It Visible: Make your goal impossible to forget. Leave a sticky note on your mirror, set daily alarms, or put a visual reminder where you’ll see it every day. Keeping your task front and center helps you stay committed.
Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for progress, no matter how small. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee, a relaxing bath, or a short walk when you stay consistent. Celebrating builds positive reinforcement and reminds you that you’re worth the effort.
The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
What happens when you focus on one small thing? You start to see results. Those results build confidence. Confidence builds momentum. And before you know it, your tiny steps have turned into giant leaps toward the life you want.
This process isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about transforming how you see yourself. Every step, every habit, every action is a vote for the person you want to become.
Your Next Step
Right now, as you read this, I want you to pause and reflect: What’s one small step I can take today toward my goal? Maybe it’s as simple as writing down your intentions or setting a reminder for yourself. Whatever it is, start small—and then show up for yourself.
If you’re ready to break free from overwhelm and start building a life that aligns with your dreams, I’m here to help. Let’s take those small steps together. Because when you focus, commit, and stay consistent, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.
Until next time,
Wendy Wheeler
