When you took physics class, you learned that the laws of inertia stated that things in motion are bound to stay in motion and those things at rest will stay at rest – unless acted upon by an outside force. You can apply these concepts to your life right now, even if you didn’t do so well in physics class. Too often, we can become stuck in our own excuses and emotions. We would rather go nowhere instead of potentially heading into a situation where we aren’t sure if we can succeed. We stay in the same situation year after year, wanting to get out, but the more we stay at rest, the more likely we are to never move.
Most People Are Afraid Of Change
If change scares you, that’s okay. Most people are afraid of change because it represents the unknown in our lives. We don’t know anything more than what we’ve already experienced, so when we realize we need to change what we know, we hesitate. Instead of staying in this locked position, perhaps it’s time to try something new – baby steps.
When you have something big that you want to change, write this down in the middle of a piece of paper. Then, start thinking about small steps that you can break this bigger goal up into. These steps don’t have to take more than ten minutes, but they do need to help you with your goal. For example, if you want to write a screenplay, you might want to start by coming up with a title. That’s it. And the next day, you might want to write one page of the screenplay. These baby steps aren’t limitations, however, so if you feel inspired to do more, you can.
Find small steps you can take each day to get to your goal and you will always be moving toward what you really want, building up momentum to change your life.
Have a most outstanding day
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
SeanRasmussen.com © 2004 – 2008
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Sean – Well stated article. Small steps will still take us in the direction we want to go. Sometimes the obstacles are internal doubts that we need to work around. Small steps can create a path with less resistance.
However, the biggest obstacle can be our own fear of our greatness.
(Overcome Fear)
With gratitude…
Thanks Louise. An early story I heard as a child was this: “A long journey starts with a single step”.
Millions have heard it and probably all agree but how many have the patience to carry through? I hope, many more than we realize. I appreciate your visit. You are most welcome.
Yes Sean big goals should be chunked down into smaller goals so you don’t get overwhelmed by it.
It’s like driving in the car at night and the headlights of your car shows you 20 metres in front of you. You get to your destination by the end of the drive. You don’t see the whole course in one go.
Hi Sean,
Yes, people have a hard time getting past the first step on any project. Even so it’s the best way to make big changes. Michael Masterson describes that with the term, ‘Chicken Entrepreneur’. That’s someone who keeps their day job until they are able to survive on their new venture. It made a lot of sense to me. The other advantage is that you get to build up your confidence slowly. You don’t have to make the big leap.
Ed Anderson
http://www.masteringyourquest.com
http://www.edcanderson.com
Hi Ed. Chicken Entrepreneur is a term I could have used for a while. The fear of failing was so great, I was afraid to take the next step. I still did though.
Great article and site you have here Sean. Another way I like to get the ball rolling on something is a 30 day challenge. For 30 days we make ourselves work on implementing a new project or habit. After 30 days, we most likely have developed a new habit and are much more likely to keep the momentum going.
Hi Blake. That is a good concept. Creating habits is a good way to break away from the old. As long as it is a good habit we are creating.
Fantastic article on how to change your life.
Thanks. My pleasure!
Hi Sean, small steps are the way to go. One of my teachers always liked to explain: “How do you eat an elephant? – By cutting it into little slices”.
Another thing I like about going in small steps is that you have success-moments on the way and not only at the very end. And that feels very nice
Renee´s last blog ..Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker – Book review
This is so true, and one of my challenges Renee. Allowing myself to take stock along the way was a new experience for me.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
There is no doubt that change can be scary. Unfortunately without change there is no growth and no learning, only decay. As Alvin Toffler, wrote in his novel Future Shock, “Change is not merely necessary to life — it is life”.
But as you and Renee point out, change can be managed by breaking things down into small steps, each of which in themselves are not so daunting. Being able to achieve small milestones along the way definitely helps to stay motivated as well. The more that I can see the results I have already achieved, the more I can see that my ultimate goal is not just possible but probable – simply by staying on the same path.
Tom McEwin´s last blog ..Getting Targeted Internet Traffic and a Hungry Crowd
LoL. When I took Physics in high school I fell asleep (literally) in the first class and dropped out a week later. Luckily for me that I signed-up for something that I was more interested in where I could actually apply myself.
Currently working in an industry and role where change is paramount I have learn’t very quickly how to adapt to change and to actually embrace it. It’s never easy, but best to take it head-on otherwise it could get the best of you.
Cemil´s last blog ..Thesis Theme 1.7 – Update
Hi Sean,
I think focusing on making small changes is a great way to achieve a large goal. Small steps help you from feeling overwhelmed and they do keep you moving forward and on track.
Every small step forward helps build your confidence and reinforce to subconscious mind that you can and will have the things you desire. Every step is a small win or a small success and that is an incredible boost to building your belief in your ability to achieve your goals.
If you want to achieve a goal, do something towards it every day, no matter how small, that’s what I say.
Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..Internet Marketing Why? How?
Hi Sean,
Changing small things is a start to also changing bigger things. Taking baby steps towards your goal each day is a good idea. To keep moving is better than standing still to make progress with goals. a lot of courage is sometimes needed to make changes to ones life. The unknown can be scary.
I’m good at breaking things down, and coming up with the small steps, but for me the problem is, “Am I heading in the right direction??”
As I was reading the article and the comments, the thought bubbled up in my mind that as you start out to make your changes, be it in your life, your work, your income, your interests, the main thing is to get moving, to take those small steps, regardless of the direction you are going. Once you get your momentum happening, you’ll know if you are heading in the right direction or not, and if you aren’t then you can steer into another direction, again through small steps!
Cheers,
Pete
Pete´s last blog ..peteboyr: @bullhunter Thanks, Sean. Just reviewing the webinar, and will get to your blogs after that. Big night ahead, pizza on the way!
Hi Pete,
I know that feeling of not being sure if I am heading into the right direction. I always envy the people that have this one great big talent/calling. I have a lot of small talents, nothing that loudly yells “here, take me”
I have changed a lot of things over the last 10 years or so (like changing continent, profession, language, ….) but all in small steps. And what was very scary at the beginning is a lot of fun now.
Not all the things I tried worked out, but I learned something new with each step. And as long as I make sure I take the best possible direction (and step) for that moment, with what I know at that moment, I never can loose.
Renee´s last blog ..Overcoming Procrastination
Hi Renee,
I think everyone has something they are meant to do and you will find it when you’re ready. Everything will fall into place. I think you are putting yourself in the path of enormous success.
So, be patient. You never know when destiny will come knocking.
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion
Love the idea of taking baby steps, it really does work. You’ve gotta start somewhere and yeah most people are scared of changes and that makes them to stay in a situation year after year. Planning & taking baby steps one day at a time surely goes a long way.
Cheers
Rose
Rose Kawe´s last blog ..Do I Feel Lucky Well Do Ya
Hi Sean
I enjoyed this article because I particularly like the idea of writing down what you want to change on a piece of paper.
It is like mind mapping or brain storming and I have never thought about doing this with handling change.
With baby steps I can change small things to change big things.