Small Steps
Dear Reader, what is that thing you are procrastinating about? (You know, that thing that just came to mind when you read that question.)I do not consider myself a procrastinator in general. I like to get things done. I also like things to be done in the best way possible, and this is where I run into roadblocks sometimes—they look like research and preparation— too much time spent arranging an effort in order to give myself the best opportunity to start and complete a task in the best way possible.
Thing is, so many times these roadblocks stop progress all together. (This is sometimes referred to as “paralysis by analysis.”)
I recently read a quote that said,
“Your success is determined by your willingness to take imperfect action.”
I allowed that lesson to sink in, and once it did, I let it impact the way I think about everything in my life.
The most fundamental thing that has ever held me back in any area of my life was my unwillingness to take action unless my actions were perfect.
That is, until I realized that thinking about perfect action is not forward progress. A few nights ago a close friend told me that they wanted to start a meditation practice.
I told them, “Start slow, 5 minutes…”
“How about 5 breaths?” they replied.
Honestly, that was a great reply, because upon hearing it I realized I needed to bring myself back to this whole concept of imperfect action.
Start where you are.
What small thing can you do today that would be a step in the direction of where you want to be?
How willing are you to take imperfect action? Your success depends on it.
Here’s to small steps,
Cindie
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