Summary (TL;DR)
Feeling overwhelmed by big goals? Break them down into tiny, achievable steps (like picking up pebbles instead of climbing a mountain). Each small win unlocks new paths and motivates you to keep going. Celebrate every step, learn from detours, and enjoy the journey to your dreams!
Prioritizing Growth Over Busy-ness
Cedric Thompson Jr.’s (Ced) journey of personal growth struck a chord with me. His video about prioritizing personal time resonated deeply, especially the quote: “It is not about doing it all, but rather about making intentional choices that contribute to your personal growth and the well-being of your loved ones.”
For a long time, I struggled with setting boundaries and feeling drained by others. Growing up with a narcissistic parent meant boundaries were an alien concept. To protect my energy, I retreated, becoming reclusive. It wasn’t ideal, but it allowed me to learn crucial things about myself.
I discovered that I attract people who readily spill their problems without seeking solutions. While I enjoy helping, I realized that true growth comes from personal effort. Answering their questions was a temporary balm, not a lasting solution, and it sapped my energy needed for my own goals.
From “Doing All” to “Being Well”
This led me to a vital realization: Ambitious goals, while exciting, can be intimidatingly vast. When faced with a giant mountain, we often talk ourselves out of even taking the first step. This stagnation felt stifling, like being stuck on a treadmill going nowhere.
But then, I embraced the power of baby steps. Instead of staring up at the mountain, I started with picking up a pebble. Each small action, each completed task, felt like progress. And what’s amazing is that as I took those small steps, the path forward began to reveal itself. Opportunities I couldn’t see before started appearing, guided by the momentum of my tiny wins.
Here’s how you can break down your own intimidating goals into empowering baby steps:
1. Identify your Everest. What’s the big dream you’ve been putting off? Write it down, visualize its impact, and feel the excitement.
2. Break it down into base camps. Divide your goal into smaller milestones, achievable mini-goals that feel manageable. Think of them as stepping stones leading to the summit.
3. Plan your trek. Research, schedule, and map out the steps needed for each milestone. This could involve learning a new skill, completing a specific task, or overcoming a small hurdle.
4. Celebrate every pebble. Don’t wait for the summit to celebrate. Each completed step, each conquered challenge, is a victory. Acknowledge your progress and reward yourself for your efforts.
5. Be kind to yourself: Progress isn’t linear. There will be days when you stumble, and that’s okay. Take a break, refocus, and then, step by step, start again. Life throws curveballs. Don’t let setbacks derail you. See them as opportunities to adjust your path and learn new skills.
6. Find your climbing buddies. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your journey. Share your goals, celebrate your wins, and seek guidance when needed.
Remember, the magic of baby steps isn’t just in reaching the end goal; it’s in the journey itself. It’s the joy of building momentum, the thrill of discovering hidden paths, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re actively shaping your own future.
So, take a deep breath, break down that mountain into manageable climbs, and start taking your baby steps. You might just surprise yourself with how far you can go.
