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One Small Step For You, One Giant Leap For A Lifetime
Taking that First Step That Makes All The Difference
theDiversityPost Contributors
September 09, 2024
I still remember the feeling of writing the very first sentence of my first short story. It’s incredible to think how far I’ve come since then. Had I not written those initial words, there wouldn’t have been a second sentence, a second page, or a finished story, encouraging words from a friend of my mom’s, and—so many scripts and works later—a long and wonderful career in film, advertising, and marketing. Every big accomplishment begins with one small action. The key is to take that first step, because once you do, the rest follows naturally—bringing you closer to where you want to go.
Starting anything new can feel daunting—whether it’s becoming a parent, launching a business, or even saving for a future goal. The sheer size of the task can be overwhelming, making the finish line seem distant and almost unreachable. Sometimes, the enormity of the project makes us freeze, not knowing where to begin or whether that first step will even matter. But we all have to start somewhere, no matter how intimidating the journey may seem.
Success doesn’t require complex strategies; it really can be as simple as taking that first small step. From there, progress builds gradually—one step at a time. Don’t get lost in worrying about what might happen far into the future or dwell too much on the past. Stay focused on what you can do today, and those small actions will compound into major accomplishments before you know it. So here are some invitations to do things to get you rolling on that first step that fires up the journey of 1,000 miles…
Invitation 1: Just Do it and Take the First Step Now
The first step is often the hardest because it requires the courage to step into the unknown. Without starting, no progress can ever be made, and even the smallest movement forward creates momentum. By taking that leap, you open the door to opportunities and growth that would otherwise stay locked behind hesitation.
Every morning, set a small, doable goal that moves you forward—something as simple as writing one note, looking up one quote, sending one email or making a single phone call. Once you complete it, reward yourself with a quick break or something you enjoy to reinforce that action. Over time, starting becomes second nature because you associate the act of beginning with a positive experience.
Invitation 2: Spark Your Own Fire to Fuel The Furnace
Okay, so you took one step. Now what? Get some ongoing motivation to keep the ball rolling. After that initial burst of energy, many people lose steam and fail to maintain momentum. Staying inspired helps you keep the forward motion going and prevents you from slipping back into old habits.
Every evening, reflect on what you accomplished during the day and identify a motivating reason to take the next step tomorrow. Remind yourself of your “why”—the bigger goal you’re working toward—and keep visual reminders around to stay inspired. When you keep your eyes on the prize, staying inspired becomes easier because you’re constantly reminded of why you started.
Invitation 3: Keep the Wheels Turning & Let Consistency Fuel Progress
Consistency is the bridge between a good start and becoming the little engine that could. Think about old school trains huffing and puffing into action. If you want to build something lasting—regular action is what turns effort into results. It’s chugging along! By making consistency a habit, you’re creating a routine that supports your long-term goals without needing constant bursts of inspiration.
Start small by setting a regular time each day to work on your goals, even if it’s just 7 minutes. Create a daily ritual—whether it's in the morning or evening—that keeps you on track and lets you build momentum through repetition. As those small, consistent actions pile up, you’ll be amazed at how much you accomplish over time. 7 minutes turn into 14, and before you know it, you’re staying on fire for an hour: you’re falling into what athletes call “the zone.”
Invitation 4: Get Teammates for the Win Because Accountability Builds Strength
No one succeeds entirely on their own; accountability is key to staying committed when motivation fades. Sharing your goals with others not only helps you stay on track, but it also creates a support system that can lift you up during tough times. They don’t even have to be doing the same thing you do or be a part of the project. What you need, at minimum, is someone to talk with to keep you in check. An empathetic soul. Having someone to check in with makes the journey less isolating and increases the chances of sticking to your plan.
Create a small accountability group with a friend, friends, colleagues, or mentors who share similar goals. Even regularly sharing with online friends is a booster. Schedule regular check-ins—whether in person, over the phone, or through messaging apps—to report progress and stay accountable. This way, your success becomes a shared goal, and you’ll be more motivated to keep pushing forward. And, hey, you may even inspire another to do the same. What a plus!
Invitation 5: Pat Yourself on the Back; You Deserve One Everyday
Acknowledging small victories helps build the confidence and resilience needed to stick with your goals. It’s easy to focus on what’s still ahead and forget how far you’ve already come. Celebrate you! Enjoying milestones along the way reminds you that progress is being made and keeps you motivated to continue moving forward.
At the end of each week, review the small wins you’ve achieved—no matter how minor they seem. Reward yourself with something that feels good, like a relaxing evening, a favorite treat, or a fun activity. Regularly celebrating your progress reinforces your commitment to keep pushing, and it builds the mental strength needed to rinse and repeat.
When I was a little kid, I was an avid reader of comic books. One day my mom—a linguist studying for her PhD—decided I had been reading enough comic books, and she took me to a store and asked only that I get a big person book with no pictures. I resisted at first, but then I saw a section of the store with fantastic illustrations. It was the fantasy and sci-fi section. It was filled with books with no illustrations. Paperbacks of all kinds. I kind of cheated. I found one with some maps and drawing of a door, and I said, "This one." The book was J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," and that one step has filled my life with wondrous adventures in literature and in life that I will be forever grateful for. From fiction to non-fiction to a travel-filled career.
The same, of course, is true with all ventures. Wealthy people, worth many millions of dollars, remember opening their first savings account and their humble beginnings have that first step. Ross Perot borrowed $1,000 from his wife and, aged 32, he used the money to found his first company—Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Eleven-year-old Warren Buffet bought six shares at $38 each in Cities Services Company. After experiencing a market drop and then a swift rise to $40, he sells his stock for a profit. At age 13, Buffett proclaims he will be a millionaire by 30. Both have been quoted as laughing when they said, “It’s amazing what a little time will do.” Had they not decided to start somewhere, their incredible success would never have manifested itself.
Over and over again, I hear people telling me about the newsletter they are going to write, the internet concept they are about to attempt, the business they are going to start, or the charity they are planning to help. But, in many instances, these plans and dreams keep getting put off until “the conditions are right.” One of the most powerful messages we can share with anyone, one that I’m absolutely certain of, is this: In almost all cases, the conditions you are waiting for will not be significantly different next week or next year. Don’t worry that the conditions have to be perfect. The truth is, you are still going to have to take that first step! If you take it now, instead of later, you’ll be many steps closer to your dreams by this time next year. Smile. Perhaps you’ve just taken the first step by reading this article!
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