Think Big. Start Small. Stay Consistent.
Jul 16, 2025
Over the years, I've coached thousands of leaders, and one thing I’ve seen over and over again is that we all want to achieve something big. We have bold goals, powerful dreams, and visions for what we want our leadership, careers, or lives to look like. But here’s the truth: no one gets to those big places overnight. The real key to success? Thinking big—but starting small.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the size of your goal. Maybe you want to get promoted, build a stronger team, become a better communicator, or even turn your department around. Whatever your vision is, you won’t reach it in a day—but you can start today. Big change always begins with small, consistent steps. And when you start small, you gain three things that are absolutely essential: clarity, control, and confidence.
1. Clarity: Small steps bring your vision into focus.
When you take that first step—no matter how small—you start to see the path more clearly. Let’s say you want to write a book. That can feel like a massive, blurry goal. But if you commit to writing 200 words a day, you’ll not only build momentum, you’ll start seeing what your message really is. You gain clarity as you go. Action breeds clarity. You don’t have to know every step—just take the next one.
2. Control: Small steps are manageable and within your reach.
Trying to change everything at once is a recipe for burnout. But changing one thing? That’s doable. Maybe you want to improve your physical health. You don’t need to train for a marathon on day one. Start by walking 15 minutes a day. Track your meals. Drink more water. These small actions give you control over the process. You stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed—and you’re far more likely to stick with it.
3. Confidence: Small wins build big belief.
Nothing builds confidence like seeing progress. If your goal is to become a more effective leader, don’t wait until you’re the boss to start leading. Start by showing up early. Supporting a teammate. Owning your mistakes. These may seem like small things, but they build trust—and more importantly, they build belief in yourself. With every step, you reinforce the truth: I can do this.
Start Today.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin, because that moment doesn’t exist. You will always be busy. The timing will never be 100% ideal. And that’s okay. The perfect moment isn’t what creates success—starting is.
So here’s what I challenge you to do:
Write down your big goal. Then write down 3–5 small steps that will move you toward that goal. Pick one of those and do it today.
Remember, leadership, success, and significance don’t happen by accident. They happen on purpose. And that purpose starts with one small, intentional step.
Let’s lead on purpose—one step at a time.
- Dean Crisp
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