The Power of Small, Consistent Actions
Welcome to the seventh principle in our summer series on creative thinking: “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” This timeless wisdom from the Tao Te Ching, attributed to Lao Tzu, serves as a powerful reminder that every significant change or accomplishment in life starts with a simple, often small, action.
The Importance of Small and Consistent Steps
Making a meaningful shift in your life, whether in your creative practice or any other area, requires time, effort, and patience. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at the enormity of the task ahead. However, the key to overcoming this feeling is to focus on taking small, manageable steps consistently. These small actions, taken daily, add up over time and can lead to significant progress.
Consider this: no one becomes a master in their craft overnight. Whether your goal is to master painting, sewing, or pattern design, you must put in the work, gradually honing your skills. Just as a martial artist doesn’t jump from a white belt to a black belt in a single lesson, you won’t achieve your creative goals in one giant leap. The journey may be long, but it begins with that first, intentional step.
My Experience with Small Steps
I had to learn this lesson the hard way. In December 2019, I was struggling with the overwhelming task of finalizing my mother’s estate. The emotional weight, combined with the physical demands, left me feeling ill and depressed. I was also grappling with dissatisfaction in my work, feeling unfulfilled and exhausted.
By January 2020, I decided to make a change. I gave notice at my job and set out to create a life more aligned with my passions. But then COVID hit, and everything I had planned fell apart. I was faced with a monumental challenge: how to reinvent myself and build an online business quickly in the face of unprecedented uncertainty.
It was paralyzing to think about everything that needed to be done. The enormity of the task made it difficult to even start. But I realized that if I focused on just the next best step—no matter how small—I could start moving forward. So, I metaphorically put the car in gear and took that first small step, then another, and then another. Each step built momentum and gradually led me closer to my goals.
Applying This Principle to Your Creative Practice
Now, let’s apply this principle to your creative journey. What is your big creative goal? Perhaps you dream of finishing a series of paintings, launching a new sewing pattern collection, or finally turning your creative passion into a thriving business. Whatever your goal, it likely feels daunting when you look at “the whole thing.”
But what if you broke it down into smaller, more manageable parts? For instance, if your goal is to complete a series of paintings within the next six months, break that down into what you can accomplish in a month. Maybe that’s sketching ideas for one painting or gathering inspiration for your series. From there, identify one small step you can take today, such as setting up your workspace or dedicating 15 minutes to sketching.
The key is to take that first step and then keep going—small and consistent actions that build over time. This approach not only makes your goal more achievable but also helps you stay motivated as you see the progress you’re making, no matter how gradual.
Breaking Down Your Journey
To help you on this journey, here’s a simple exercise:
- Identify Your Big Goal: What is one significant creative goal you want to accomplish in the next six months to a year? It should be something that challenges you but feels achievable with time and effort.
- Break It Down: Divide your goal into smaller milestones that you can achieve each month. These should be steps that bring you closer to your overall goal.
- Take One Small Step Today: What can you do today to move toward your first milestone? It could be something as simple as brainstorming ideas, gathering materials, or dedicating a few minutes to practice.
- Evaluate and Repeat: Consistency is key. Rinse and repeat this process daily, and at the end of each month, evaluate your progress. If you’ve fallen off track, don’t be discouraged—just recalibrate and keep moving forward.
The journey of 1,000 miles truly does begin with a single step. In your creative practice, this means focusing on what you can do today, no matter how small, to move closer to your goals. By taking consistent, intentional steps, you’ll find that what once seemed overwhelming becomes manageable, and your progress will build momentum over time.
Remember, The Creative Space at Virginia Leigh Studio is here to support you every step of the way. Embrace this principle, and watch how small, consistent actions lead you toward the creative success you’ve always envisioned.
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