Most people, when asked about their biggest regrets in life, would cite things they didn’t do instead of things they did. Nothing will bother you more on your deathbed than unpursued dreams and unanswered what-ifs.
Even knowing that, many people still shy away from chasing their dreams. They lacked the bravery to begin, because their dreams are too unrealistic, too bothersome, too scary, too big. But nobody starts big from the get-go, you know? It’s okay to start small, as long as you actually start. As the Chinese proverb goes. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
There are so many ideas in our heads, big dreams we want to achieve, and great plans we’ve carefully made. However, we often get stuck, unsure of how to start. Sometimes, big dreams can feel very intimidating, and we don’t know where to begin.
I used to be like that too. I had many desires — like learning a new language, starting a new hobby, and making big changes in my life. But somehow, I always felt something was blocking my first step. Until one day, I found a simple phrase that changed everything: Start small, but start.
Perfectionism often becomes the biggest obstacle to starting. We fear making mistakes, fear not meeting expectations, fear failing. However, if we keep waiting for the perfect moment, we might never start. I learned to make peace with imperfection. My first writing was far from perfect, but it was a beginning. By starting with small steps, I could learn and grow.
Starting something new is indeed scary. There is a fear of failure, a fear of not being consistent, and a fear of not getting the desired results. However, by starting with small things, that fear slowly fades away. Every small achievement gives greater confidence to take the next step.
We often underestimate the power of small steps. In fact, every small step we take brings us closer to our big goals. These small steps form positive habits that will continue to grow over time.
One of the most rewarding aspects of starting small is the ability to celebrate progress along the way. Every small milestone, whether it’s completing a draft, receiving positive feedback, or simply sticking to a routine, is worth celebrating.
These celebrations keep us motivated and remind us of how far we’ve come. They fuel our passion and drive us to keep going, even when the road gets tough.
If there’s one piece of advice I can offer, it’s this: start small, but start. Don’t let the fear of imperfection or the enormity of your dreams hold you back. Take that first step, no matter how small it may seem.
Your journey is unique, and it begins with a single action. Embrace the small beginnings, stay consistent, and celebrate your progress. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself closer to your dreams than you ever imagined.
So, what’s that small step you can take today? Whether it’s writing a paragraph, making a phone call, or learning a new skill, take it. Start small, but start. Your future self will thank you.
