How the little things add up

Often, we think of improvements as something where we need to do major changes. We need a new job, we need a new education, we need a new house, we need a ……! Now!

But honestly, that is not how it works. Improvements or changes for that matter drills down to the small things – the small improvements we do every day or every week, the small decisions we take every day, every week, every month.

Thinking back on how my doctoral journey started – then it was not a matter of any major changes. I kept my job in the same company during all the years – yes, in various positions and not full time all the way – but besides that, no major changes. I kept improving my skills every week. Some weeks every day. As time went by, I improved my knowledge and my skills immensely. I transformed from being who I was to the person I wanted to become. Fantastic journey.

What was the secret? – I had a schedule, so I knew exactly what to do every week. I kept my focus on mastering one skill at a time – following the schedule. I checked off the boxes – and one day I had checked them all off. I had completed all course work, I successfully defended my dissertation, and I was rewarded with the doctoral degree. What a day! What a fantastic feeling. I will never forget that day and that feeling.

So, when it comes to improvements and changes – focus on the small steps, be consistent – and above all – keep on going. Don’t give up if you meet setbacks. Learn from it and keep on going. One day you will look back and realize how much progress you have made from consistently setting one foot in front of the other, how you kept the pace, how you encountered setbacks, and how you by working towards your goal made it all the way.

Enjoy the days – and enjoy the little things.