Chasing Big
Dreams Through Small Steps
I have some
pretty big items on my “bucket list” which is brimming with aspirations:
becoming a COO, starting a podcast, authoring a book, exploring Ireland, and
excelling as a mother. These lofty goals are exhilarating, yet they can be
daunting in their scope. To overcome this paralysis, I've embraced a
transformative approach: starting small.
The Power of
Micro-Habits
In recent
months I have scoured podcasts and literature, seeking wisdom on goal
realization. A recurring theme emerged - the power of micro-habits. This
philosophy of incremental improvement has revolutionized my daily habits,
significantly impacting my ability to achieve my goals 1% at a time.
Four Steps
to Transform Dreams into Reality
Here, I share
four simple and actionable steps that have worked for me, in pursuit of bigger
dreams. These strategies are designed to help you, too, achieve your
aspirations, whether it's landing that dream job or taking that once in a
lifetime trip, in a manageable and expedient manner.
1. Dream and define your goal: Envision your future self and
articulate your aspirations. Aim for no more than three significant goals at a
time, and be as specific as possible. For instance, my professional goal is to
become the COO of a company that profoundly impacts women's lives daily. This
goal would be even better if I had a specific company in mind, but see my
article on Dream
Jobs for more of my thoughts on that. My personal health goal is to be able
to do 50 legit pushups. And my personal branding goal is to write 12 articles
in 2024.
Take action: Find a quiet moment with your favorite
song and a beverage (I do my best thinking with a cup of coffee first thing in
the morning). Let your thoughts crystallize into well-defined goal and put them
on paper. You only get one life, what will you do with it?
2. Plan and Partition: Adopt a project manager's mindset.
Break down each goal into smaller tasks and milestones. What is the first step
you can take to get 1% closer to your goal? Below is an example of how I’ve broken
down my goals stated above into more manageable, small steps.
Take action: Now that you’ve identified your goal(s),
identify the one small step you can take that is manageable and actionable and
give it a try.
3. Reflect and Revise: Regularly assess your progress. Be
agile and kind to yourself, understanding that goals and methods might need
adjustment. Self reflection and feedback are key to success. Reflect on how
that one step felt. Do you feel accomplished that you achieved that one step?
If so, what’s next? If not, maybe this isn’t for you – give yourself grace, and
focus on the goals that are filling your cup in a more meaningful way.
Take action: Use a journal to track your progress.
After each small victory or setback, reevaluate and plan your next move.
4. Persevere and Progress: Habit formation can be quick, but it's
crucial to maintain momentum. Set a pace that suits you, whether daily, weekly,
or monthly. With a “you get to” attitude (thanks, Jess Simms), anything is
possible.
Take action: Schedule regular self-check-ins.
Reflecting on your journey can be a powerful motivator.
Beyond the
Basics: Below are two additional
strategies I strongly recommend to fend off imposter syndrome and letting
yourself down.
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These steps
have not only reshaped my approach towards personal and professional milestones
but also have become a cornerstone of my everyday life. Embracing the power of
micro-habits in pursuit of macro goals has led me to a path of continuous
growth and surprising discoveries. I invite you to join me and share what works
for you as you crack away at your dreams. Together, let's embrace the small
changes that lead to monumental achievements, proving that every little step
counts in the grand tapestry of our ambitions.
WRITTEN BY
Christine Cocrane