The Power of Small: 7 Steps That Lead to Big Success

We live in an age of instant gratification—where success seems to happen overnight, at least according to social media. One viral video, one perfect post, one lucky break, and suddenly someone is an overnight success. Except…that’s not how real success works. Most big wins don’t come from a single eureka moment. It’s the compounding efforts that we consistently pursue over time that add up into big results. 

 If you’ve ever felt frustrated that you’re not seeing progress fast enough (been there!), it’s time for a mindset shift. Success isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about the small, steady steps that add up to something incredible. Below are some guiding principles I live by, and I hope they help you, too—whether you're chasing a health goal, career change, business idea, or just trying to be a little better than yesterday.

7 Small Steps That Lead to Big Success

1. Just Get Started – The hardest part? Taking that first step. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen. 

 "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." – Wayne Gretzky.

(Translation: If you never start, you’re already at 0% success. So why not take the shot?)

2. Set Specific and Measurable Goals – “Get healthier” is vague. “Walk 30 minutes, 5 times a week” is clear. Break big dreams into bite-sized, measurable goals so you can track progress and stay motivated.

 "Little by little, one travels far." – J.R.R. Tolkien

(Even Middle-earth wasn’t conquered in a day!)

3. Develop a Plan – Winging it rarely leads to success. As much as possible, map out what needs to happen. Having a plan creates clarity—and clarity fuels action. 

 "By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail." – Benjamin Franklin

(Ben knew what was up. Don’t let a lack of planning be the reason you stay stuck.)

4. Take Consistent Action – Small steps > big intentions. Do one small thing every day toward your goal. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum.

 "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." – Robert Collier

(Even slow progress is better than no progress!)

5. Celebrate Progress – Too often, we only celebrate big achievements. Celebrate each small win along the way. This will help you stay motivated and committed to your goals. 

 "Small wins fuel big accomplishments." – Mary Kay Ash

(Did you complete a workout? Finally hit “send” on that email? Celebrate it!)

6. Adjust as Needed – Life is unpredictable, and the road to success is rarely a straight line. You may need to adjust the plan as needed due to any obstacles you may encounter. Reflect on what you may need to do different or look for the different path that may help you move forward.

 "Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." – Zig Ziglar

(Remember: A setback is just a setup for a comeback!)

7. Maintain Focus – Distractions are everywhere (hello, scrolling endlessly on social media instead of working on your goals!). Keep your goals visible—write them down, set reminders, whatever works for you. 

 "The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." – Bruce Lee

(Be the warrior. Channel your inner Bruce Lee.)

The Secret to Big Success? Small Steps.

The theme here is simple: Small, consistent actions lead to big results. If you’re feeling stuck, remember—you don’t need to take a giant leap today. Just take one small step in the right direction. That’s The Power of Small.

What’s one small step you’re taking today toward your goal? Let me know in the comments!

Article revised 1/31/2025.