The Power of Baby Steps

When I was growing up, my father always carried a spiral notepad in his shirt pocket. He made a list of all the things he wanted and needed to do. As he completed each task, he would mark it off his list. He explained to me that he always started with the easiest task first. By doing this, he felt a sense of accomplishment and was motivated to tackle the harder items on the list. No matter how small that first task was, it counted as a success.

This has been a valuable lesson in my life. All these years later, I still find myself using this same method to take baby steps and motivate myself to do the harder jobs. It is by starting with the small things that we build a sense of self, self-esteem, and resiliency. These are necessary ingredients for success.

The Myth Of Motivation

A new book approaches success much the way my father did – through acknowledging baby steps. In The Myth of Motivation, author Jeff Haden debunks the idea that people are motivated by big goals. Instead, he tells us that successful people motivate themselves each day through the little victories. Our lives are not built around big things; rather, it is the small, everyday events, irritations, and problems which test us and create us.

Usually, people try to motivate themselves by reading inspirational sayings, repeating affirmations and listening to motivational speakers. The message is usually, “Create a goal, make a plan, and work hard. Focus. Focus. Focus.” They create a grand plan in support of a grand idea. Unfortunately, tiredness and discouragement set in after time. Eventually, the plan slips. Guilt and shame replace motivation and excitement. Refram