How Small Actions Lead to Big Results: Sloppy Starts (Part 3)
Part 3 of a 4-Part Series on Lil' Habit's Sloppy Starts
Sloppy Starts is a topic with many layers, so I’m breaking it down into a 4-part series to chew on this Lil’ Habit concept one bite at a time. This is Part 3.
If I had a penny for every time someone put off pursuing their passion because it felt too big and scary, I’d be sippin’ fresh lavender lemonade on my own private island.
Making any BIG DREAM a reality takes time, effort, courage, and perseverance. It’s a long and winding road made up of many many many steps. Here’s the perspective shift I’m offering: when you begin something new, whatever you’re really afraid of is probably a ways down the road, and in the meantime you get to have a whole lot of low-stakes fun working up to it.
Ask yourself: Where am I right now with my goal and how far off in the future is the stuff that scares me?
Say you dream of writing a book one day. The vision may seem daunting — writing dozens of chapters, getting it published, receiving critical reviews. Those fears are understandable but they don’t have anything to do with right now. Right now, you get to play with story ideas, write exploratory paragraphs with no judgment, sketch characters and worldbuild. You get to savor the low-stakes joy of exploring possibilities as you develop the skills to take on the scary stuff.
You’ll work up to the scary stuff and build self-efficacy by taking small consistent steps forward every day. I recommend creating a daily habit (e.g., writing for 20 minutes every day) and then a ridiculously tiny lil’ version of that (e.g., writing for 60 seconds instead) as your backup option. The lil' version is achievable regardless of your mood or schedule, allowing you to give yourself the gift of follow-through, seeing progress, and developing some grit and discipline no matter what else is happening in your life.
Small actions are core to Sloppy Starts because you drop the all or nothing of perfectionism and give yourself permission to deliver micro-wins as you build competency.
Sloppy Starts Worksheet: Sloppy Starts Part 3
I’ve created this mindmap worksheet to help you break down any big goal into bitesize sloppy starts. Progress over perfection every dang day! The branches represent different framings to help you identify many meaningful ways forward:
GO FOR THE MICRO-WINS
The completion of micro-wins lights up our brains' reward centers, keeping us motivated.
Your BIG DREAM can be accessed by taking baby steps. A bunch of micro-wins in a row is how you unlock your potential. Say it with me: Progress over perfection every dang day!
Start with one small step today…
Maybe you want to finally start that side hustle. You won’t launch a full business on day one! Instead, set a 15-minute timer to brainstorm niche ideas.
Wanna form a new habit? Forget 30 days of perfection - start today with a ridiculously small sloppy version and do that again tomorrow.
Want to improve your health? Don't overhaul your whole routine. Start with flexibility and commit to touching your toes every morning.
Dream of learning a musical instrument? Choose an instrument that excites you and watch a short introductory video.
Goal to be more creative? Instead of finished paintings, do quick thumbnail sketches.
Wish to reduce stress? Rather than daily meditation, try one deep breath when you feel tension.
Want to save money? Forego one small purchase today. Small savings compound!
Plan to volunteer? Research local organizations for 10 minutes.
Hope to travel abroad? Learn a new phrase in a language spoken at your dream destination.
Want to change careers? Set a timer for 15-minutes and just update your skills on your resume right now.
What small actions will further your bigger vision? Identify one small step to take right now, then create a lil’ habit and build consistency. Even imperfect progress inches you ahead. Dream big but start lil’ – victory loves preparation.
If this resonates with you, help make it stick by discussing it with a friend.
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Disclaimer: My Substack posts are my personal reflections and should not be taken as clinical guidance or treatment. Consult qualified experts regarding your specific health needs.