From Your CRIT Counselor: Step by Step

A little progress each day adds up to significant results.

Sometimes we have high expectations for ourselves and others. We set our minds on grand transformations or goals, only setting up for failure when we do not reach them in a week or a month. Change, especially in ourselves, is challenging. It can be stressful and overwhelming to the point where we freeze and stop altogether, leading to feeling like a failure for not even starting the project we had in mind.

A baby does not crawl one day and run the next. He takes baby steps. He may stumble and fall but gets up again and continues trying until he can walk independently. Eventually, he will be running. Throughout this process, those around him usually support and encourage him. People don’t say when he falls, “Oh, you fell, so stay down.” On the contrary, they encourage him to get up and try again, and they celebrate when the baby makes that first step on their own.

Like a baby learning to walk, breaking down a goal into smaller projects is more effective and less daunting. Each step we take brings us closer to the desired destination. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, support you and speak positive messages to your life. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small steps.

Question: If you were 1% better each day than yesterday, what kind of impact would that make in your life in one year?