
You’ve probably heard the saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It’s timeless wisdom, but let’s be honest—it’s the next 999,999 steps that really get you where you want to go. Taking that first step is great, but progress? That’s all about sticking with it.
Today, I want to explore how small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary results. Because, let’s face it, those big, bold dreams we have? They’re built one tiny habit at a time.
Small Habits, Big Magic
The other day, I stumbled on an Instagram post that hit me right in the feels. It said:
- Saving £8 a day equals £3,000 a year.
- Reading 20 pages a day equals 30 books a year.
- Walking 10,000 steps a day equals 70 marathons a year.
Yes, 70 marathons! And you didn’t even have to buy new running shoes for it. These simple numbers are a powerful reminder that small, consistent efforts add up to life-changing results.
But here’s the kicker: small habits don’t feel magical at first. Reading 20 pages today? Meh, it's not a game-changer. But string those days together, and suddenly you’ve built a library in your brain. As James Clear says in Atomic Habits, “The goal isn’t to read a book; it’s to become a reader.” Habits don’t just help you achieve goals—they transform who you are.
The Therapy Chair: A Story of Small Steps
Let me tell you about a client of mine—let’s call her Sarah. Sarah came to therapy feeling completely overwhelmed by her dream of starting her own business. She had a vision, but the steps to get there felt like trying to climb Everest in flip-flops.
We broke her goal into the tiniest pieces. The first step? Spend 10 minutes brainstorming business names each day. That’s it—10 minutes. Over time, those small actions grew into researching permits, drafting a business plan, and eventually launching her dream.
Sarah taught me something: when we focus on what we can do, even if it’s small, we gain momentum. Momentum is the secret sauce to achieving big dreams.
Dreams Are Just Daily Actions in Disguise
We’ve all got those big, shiny dreams—buying a home, writing a novel, running a marathon. But let’s be real: those dreams can feel impossibly far away, especially when life throws its usual chaos at us.
Here’s the trick: break the dream into bite-sized actions. Start saving £10 a day. Write 100 words a night. Walk for 15 minutes each morning. The magic lies in showing up consistently.
The truth is, that the gap between where you are now and where you want to be is filled with small, actionable steps. And every tiny effort is a vote for the person you’re becoming.
The Not-So-Perfect Truth About Habits
Let’s be honest—building habits isn’t always smooth sailing. You’ll skip days. You’ll have moments when you question why you started. And some days, even the tiniest step will feel like climbing a mountain.
But here’s the beauty of small steps: you don’t have to be perfect. Progress isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about showing up, even when it’s messy.
One of my favourite things to tell clients is, “A 1% improvement every day is still an improvement.” Small steps compound. You don’t have to sprint; you just have to keep walking.
Your Turn: One Step at a Time
Take a moment to reflect:
- What’s one big dream or goal that feels out of reach?
- What’s the smallest, most manageable step you can take today?
- How could sticking to that step change your life over time?
If you’re here, reading this, you’re already investing in your growth—and that’s no small thing. So, let’s take that first step together. Then take another tomorrow. And before you know it, those small steps will lead you to something extraordinary.
Because the truth is, big dreams aren’t built in a day—they’re built one tiny, determined step at a time.
Now, let’s lace up those proverbial shoes and get moving. Your future self is already cheering you on. 👟✨
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post! If you found it helpful, I’d be incredibly grateful if you’d consider sharing it with others—it’s a small gesture that means a lot. Thank you for being here!
With gratitude,
Lavinia
Therapist & Life Coach
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