The Power of Small Steps

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Introduction

Hello everyone! Welcome back to our weekly newsletter. Last week I wrote about execution hurdles and some of the ways to overcome them. Today, I’ll go a bit deeper on one of the critical mindset shifts that can help us go through some of these challenges. When we set a major goal, sometimes it feels overwhelming. That feeling can be paralyzing, making you wonder if you are ready to make that big move. The thing is: often, the smallest, simplest steps are the most powerful. They’re easy to do, easy to repeat, and they spark real change before you even realize it. This week, we’re exploring how tiny, daily actions can pave the way for big transformations.

Weekly Highlight: The Power of Small Steps

All or Nothing Trap

Many of us get stuck in an “all or nothing” mindset. We set massive goals, then stall because the journey feels too long. Small steps break that cycle by shrinking huge tasks into bite-sized actions you can handle daily. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, you start with what you have today.

Momentum Through Consistency

Imagine you face a big goal: for example, improving overall fitness. You keep putting it off, convinced you need hours of exercise to make a difference. As a result, it takes a long time before you start. But imagine just 10 minutes a day is enough to start the ball rolling. Over time, you add time, and after a few weeks of jogging regularly, you start to feel a big difference in overall fitness.

Key Barriers

We spoke about perfectionism last week. We often hesitate to start unless we can do everything “perfectly” or because we’re afraid of others’ judgment. The trick is to give yourself permission to learn on the go. A single imperfect draft or first attempt is better than no attempt at all. Over time, your small daily moves can far exceed big plans that never leave the ground. Accept that you won’t do everything flawlessly, and start anyway. Each small success builds momentum, boosting your confidence and motivation.

How to Apply Small Steps Immediately

1. Pick One Mini Action - Choose a single, simple action you can do daily—even if it’s just 5–10 minutes.
2. Commit for One Week - Log how you feel each day. Is it getting easier? Are you noticing any excitement or energy from sticking to it?
3. Celebrate Small Successes - Reward yourself when you complete a week of micro-actions or just take a moment to reflect on your progress.
4. Find Accountability - Tell a friend or a mentor your plan. That added sense of responsibility can be the push you need when you’re tempted to skip a day.

By embracing the power of small steps, you’ll find yourself making real, measurable progress sooner than you ever expected. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about daily, sustainable action. When you shift your mindset to become incrementally better, your goals become much more manageable, and you focus on getting better every day instead of pursuing seemingly unachievable goals.

Inspiration & Personal Growth

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step” – Naeem Callaway

This quote perfectly captures how a single, almost insignificant move can open doors you never saw before. Even if it feels like tiptoeing, what matters is you’re moving forward. Over time, these steps stack up, and you realize you’re much further along than if you had waited for the “perfect” moment that just never comes.

Resources & Recommendations

• Book – “The Compound Effect ” by Darren Hardy - Highlights how little, everyday decisions will either take you to the life you desire or to disaster by default.

• TED Talk – “Try Something New for 30 Days” by Matt Cutts - Highlights the approach of committing to small, daily tasks over a finite period, illustrating how they can spark bigger life changes without feeling overwhelming.

• Article: “To Achieve Big Goals, Start with Small Habits” - A quick HBR read on how sometimes it is difficult to think small in comparison with the big goals we set. And how it can really help to make sustainable changes

Finance Corner

Many finance functions grow in size without adding real value—often fueled by corporate politics and an “empire-building” mentality. But bigger isn’t always better. By aligning roles with business priorities, eliminating confusing overlaps, and focusing on retaining quality talent, you can build a lean, agile finance structure. It’s about clarity and purposeful staffing, not just headcount. When each position ties directly to strategic needs—whether that’s commercial expansion, cost control, or both—your team works in harmony rather than chaos. And by assigning clear ownership through tools like the RACI model, you’ll avoid duplication, boost morale, and create a genuinely high-performing finance organization.

See this week’s video on the assessment of organizational structure and some of the common challenges related to it.

Summary

Big dreams can overwhelm, but tiny daily actions feel doable and build confidence. Completing small tasks over time beats grand, inconsistent efforts, and each little win is worth celebrating. Over days and weeks, those micro-successes become real progress.

When you adopt this approach, you free yourself from the pressure of massive leaps. You can improve your fitness, learn a language, or make headway on that passion project—all by dedicating mere minutes each day. It’s not about making the biggest splash at once; it’s about showing up in small ways that, together, make a huge impact.

Until next time,

Maciej