Small Steps = Big Results

The temptation to experience rapid, overnight "shifts" in our lifestyle is one of the most frequent reasons why self-help, for many, leads to self-nothing. It's similar to dieting. Some people, uninspired by the lack of results after a few days, give up the effort and assume that it was just a bad idea in the first place.

Self-help is not an overnight sensation. It takes small steps; and it takes time.

This, indeed, can be rather frustrating to some people who feel ready to change; it's as if a window inside of them has opened, and they want to take advantage of it while they can. This is indeed understandable, but to imagine that you can radically transform yourself in a matter of hours, days or even weeks is unrealistic and, possibly, quite unhealthy. And it's also unnecessary.

Take small steps. Do you want to bring compassion into your life? Start now by seeing how you may be taking the people in your life for granted. Do you want to be more generous? How about smiling at the person who sells you your coffee, or pumps your gas -- there are many ways to be generous that have nothing to do with money. Are you trying to live more peacefully? Then add a simple, 5-minute walk to your day -- anytime that you can.

There are countless examples -- but the point is: keep it small, keep it simple, and start now. Don't wait for what you believe is the "optimal condition for your life" to become reality before you start taking your steps. For example, don't wait until you're rich before you become generous (you won't). Don't wait until you have time before you start being considerate of others (it won't happen). Don't wait until you feel happy before you start caring about the happiness of others (see last bracket). And so on...and so on.

Start now, and take small steps.

You'll be amazed at just how powerfully those small steps become big steps on their own.