How To Achieve The Big Idea When You Don’t Know Where To Start!
Estimated reading time: 7 Min
Sometimes moving towards achieving the big idea seems daunting and leaves us feeling stuck enough to avoid taking a single step. Overcome that inertia.
Have you ever faced a mountain of big ideas, but have no clue where to start?
The secret to overcoming this inertia lies in making immediate and incremental progress.
What on earth does that mean?
In this article, I’ll outline how breaking down the big idea into manageable tasks not only makes your goals more attainable but also transforms the journey into a series of small, consistent actions.
Immediate and Incremental Progress Towards The Big Idea
Immediate and incremental progress is about recognising the power of small, consistent steps in achieving broader objectives.
It’s a strategy that applies equally to personal development, career advancement, or any project you’re obsessed with.
This approach hinges on the principle that large goals become more approachable and less overwhelming when divided into smaller, more manageable parts. Psychologically, it provides a sense of achievement and momentum with each step completed, which is crucial for maintaining motivation over the long haul.
Imagine you want to learn to play the guitar. I know, you’re not the first to have the big idea of becoming a rock star!
“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
Vince Lombardi
But instead of just focusing on the goal of “becoming a great guitarist,” you set a daily practice routine, learn one new chord a week, and play along with one song every two weeks.
That is exactly the approach I took when learning to play the violin and wanted to become “the fiddler in the band”, except that I started with single notes on one string and added one left-hand finger each week, then moved to the next string in the fourth week, and so on. At 15 minutes per day at the beginning, it seemed like slow progress. But it got me started. Just one year after starting, I was being paid to perform.
The Power of Small Steps
The magic of small steps lies in their ability to produce significant results over time, a concept often referred to as compound progress.
Just as small savings can grow into a substantial sum through the magic of compound interest, so too can regular, deliberate, small efforts lead to remarkable achievements.
This principle is visible in various success stories, from authors who write a page a day, ending up with a novel, to athletes whose daily training regime leads to winning competitions.
The incremental approach transforms the daunting task of reaching a distant goal into a series of manageable, daily actions.
It reassures us that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. It’s about celebrating every step forward and understanding that each small action is a building block towards your larger goal.
Practice Makes Perfect?
Vince Lombardi, one of the most famous American football coaches, said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
Vince Lombardi made the point that if you practice badly, you develop less than the best skills. In my experience, regular, small steps encourage better practice, which, with deliberate focus over time, can become perfect practice!
Strategies for Making Immediate and Incremental Progress
Adopting an immediate and incremental approach requires a shift in mindset and the implementation of practical strategies. Here are a few to get started:
- Set Mini-Goals
Break your larger goal into mini-goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, environmentally aware and resourced (SMARTER). This makes the goal less overwhelming and provides clear, immediate steps to take. - Plan and Prioritise
Prioritise your tasks based on their impact and urgency. Planning helps in maintaining focus and direction, ensuring that you’re always moving forward. - Maintain Consistency
Consistency is key to making incremental progress. Set aside time each day or week to work towards your goal, making it a non-negotiable part of your routine. - Celebrate Small Wins
Recognising and celebrating each achievement, no matter how small, boosts morale and motivation. It serves as a reminder of your progress and capability. - Overcome Challenges
Procrastination and lack of motivation are common hurdles. Overcome these by reminding yourself of your larger goal, seeking support from peers, and adapting your strategies to keep your efforts aligned with your objectives.
By embracing these strategies, you can start to see significant changes through the accumulation of small, daily efforts. Each step taken is a step closer to your larger goal, reinforcing the belief that every action, no matter how minor it seems, is a vital part of the journey towards success.
If you still don’t know where to start, then follow the advice of tennis player, Arthur Ashe, who famously quoted, “Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.”
Although he probably wasn’t the first to say this, he followed this doctrine to the letter on his way to being selected for the United States Davis Cup Team, and up to now he’s still the only black man to have won singles titles at the US Open, Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
So, if you’re not sure where to start, do what you can; before long you’ll learn enough to be able to plan your route with confidence.
Incorporating Immediate and Incremental Progress into Daily Life
Integrating the philosophy of immediate and incremental progress into your daily routine can transform the way you approach your goals. Here’s how to make this concept a part of your everyday life:
- Establish a Routine
Dedicate specific times of the day for focused work on your goals. Whether it’s an hour every morning or 15 minutes before bed, find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. - Use Tools and Resources
Leverage planners, apps, or digital tools designed to track habits and productivity. These resources can help you visualize your progress and stay on track. - Adapt and Adjust
Be prepared to modify your strategies as you learn what works best for you. Flexibility is crucial in maintaining momentum and overcoming obstacles. - Seek out training
Seek out advice and guidance from those who have are ahead of you on a journey towards where you want to be.
The key is to make your goal progress as habitual as brushing your teeth – something you do consistently without needing to debate its importance each day.
Long-Term Benefits of Adopting an Incremental Approach
Embracing an immediate and incremental approach to achieving your goals offers several long-term benefits:
- Enhanced Resilience
By celebrating each small win and learning from setbacks, you build resilience.
This resilience helps you bounce back from challenges and persist towards your goals despite obstacles. - Improved Problem-solving Skills
Breaking down goals into smaller tasks requires creativity and problem-solving.
Over time, this enhances your ability to tackle complex problems with ease. - Increased Satisfaction
There’s profound satisfaction in recognising and acknowledging your progress. This approach fosters a sense of accomplishment that motivates further action and commitment.
Ultimately, adopting an incremental approach encourages a growth mindset, where you see opportunities for improvement and learning in every step of your journey.
FAQs
How do I stay motivated when progress seems slow?
Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate every small win, and remember why you started. Motivation often follows action, so keep taking those small steps.
What if I fail to meet my mini-goals?
Failure is a part of the learning process. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your approach, and try again. Resilience is key to long-term success. As Vince Lombardi said, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
Can this approach work for any goal?
Yes, the principles of immediate and incremental progress can be applied to any goal, personal or professional. The key is to break down the goal into manageable tasks and focus on consistent effort.
Summary
Immediate and incremental progress is a powerful strategy for achieving your larger goals especially when you’re not sure what to do next. If that’s the case, do something!
By focusing on small steps, you make your objectives more attainable and the journey towards them more enjoyable.
This article has outlined practical strategies and the benefits of incorporating this approach into your daily life. Remember, every large achievement starts with the decision to try, taking the first step and the persistence to keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
Now, why not take the first small step towards your goal today?
Your future self will thank you for the progress you begin to make now, no matter how modest it may seem.
Each action you take is a brick in the foundation of your larger dreams. Start building that foundation today.
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😉
Richard
