Small Steps

Posted onAuthorSai13 CommentsCategoriesgrowth minded, Reaching Goals, Successful People

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.” ― Mark Twain

The key to completing big tasks is breaking them up into small manageable steps, that way you build MOMENTUM. If you keep waiting for a large random spurt of energy to get a gargantuan task done then you will be waiting a LONG time and that task is only going to get more and more daunting. The hardest part is always getting started so in addition to breaking it up into smaller steps you can:
1) choose an accountability partner (this person will hold you accountable for starting- they may provide tangible help, moral support, or even some tough love).

2) Take breaks. I typically do 20 minutes of work followed by a 5 minute break where I get up, walk around, eat a snack, etc- whatever works for you to keep you alert! Some people do 45 minutes of work followed by 15 minutes of break and that works too! Just be realistic about how long a break you can take before you start thinking “I can just do the rest of this later”

3) Reward yourself!! Even for small things. It’s always so much more satisfying to indulge in your favorite treat or play your favorite game or put on a face mask and relax with some tea when you feel like you’ve earned it- hold out for that feeling!

13 thoughts on “Small Steps”

  2. There’s a TON of research in occupational science that teaches us exactly this!

    1. Like him I was that C student easily distracted. However, my success was long achieved by chipping away little by little. Knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
      Perseverance!!!!!

    2. I love the tips, especially the accountability partner one. It’s so hard to stick to a plan on your own so having another person to help motivate is a great idea!

  3. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”
    -Thank you so much for inspiring me and I hope that people who watch the video will be inspired too.

  4. It takes hard work and dedication to reach our goals. But first we have to be inspired to get started. I’m grateful that you make it a mission to inspire others!

  5. Very inspired!!!! My brain just went a million miles per hour!! I am so ready!!

  6. Very inspiring…most of us just have to get to the doing…just do it…one small step at a time.

  7. So INSPIRED! Often I feel so overwhelmed just by thinking about a huge project, or goal I want to tackle because I think I can’t get it done on time or it will take too long to complete. This approach will help me so much! I will learn how to take small steps and not focus so much on the finish line! Time to learn French again! Thank you.

  8. Like him, I was that C student easily distracted. However, my success was long achieved by chipping away, little by little. Knowing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Perseverance!!!

  9. Loving the advice you’ve put up here. Need to really take that and implement it into my daily routine.

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