Accomplish Great Things by Small Means — D&C 64-66 — Life Experienced with Terri Anne Flint

The phrase “go big or go home” may be helpful in sports, but it’s a damaging belief when it comes to making changes in our lives. Too often we begin goals by starting at the end rather the beginning, like walking 10,000 steps on the first day of a new exercise plan. After the first huff and puff miserable walk, we realize going from 100 to 10,000 steps is not doable, but rather than size down, we give up.

Success comes when we start small and gradually improve through consistent action. As we focus on tiny, doable steps we grow confidence we can do the action on our good days and our bad days. If the small step becomes difficult to maintain, don’t quit, make the step even smaller.

Starting small is being good to yourself. It’s being honest that change is difficult, but doable when you begin where you are. Be proud you’re eating one more vegetable every day. Celebrate a walk of 500 steps or reading one chapter of scripture. Cheer yourself on to keep going while listening for heavenly applause because God loves effort.

“But all things must come to pass in their time. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:32-33).
“It is so easy to overestimate the importance of one defining moment and underestimate the value of making small improvements on a daily basis. Too often, we convince ourselves that massive success requires massive action. Whether it is losing weight, building a business, writing a book, winning a championship, or achieving any other goal, we put pressure on ourselves to make some earth-shattering improvement that everyone will talk about.” – James Clear

Accomplish Great Things by Small Means — D&C 64-66