why little actions are key to realizing big dreams

We are often driven by grand ambitions, by powerful "whys" that define our purpose and fuel our aspirations. Whether it’s building a successful career, launching a business, writing a book, or making a meaningful impact in the world, our motivations tend to be vast and far-reaching. However, while our reasons for action may be mighty, the actions themselves do not always need to be massive. In fact, taking small, manageable steps may be the best way to ensure steady and sustainable progress.

One of the first steps in any meaningful pursuit is identifying the key reason—or small set of reasons—that drive us. Once we have clarity on our purpose, we can break it down into tangible, targeted actions that move us forward. Without this process of simplification, we risk becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of our goals, leading to inaction or burnout.

In her book Own Your Everyday: Overcome the Pressure to Prove and Show Up for What You Were Made to Do, Jordan Lee Dooley emphasizes the importance of small actions in overcoming imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome—feeling like a fraud despite evidence of competence—often arises when we face new challenges or step outside our comfort zones. Dooley suggests that rather than pretending to have all the answers or striving for perfection, the best approach is to admit what we don’t know and seek guidance from those who do. Asking for help, learning from others, and embracing a mindset of continuous growth dismantles the illusion that we must figure everything out on our own.

Dooley introduces a powerful concept to guide our actions: incremental, implementable, imperfect action. This phrase encapsulates a practical and effective approach to progress. Let’s break it down:

1. Incremental – Progress happens step by step. Instead of focusing on the enormity of our goal, we should concentrate on the next small step we can take. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger vision.
2. Implementable – The actions we take should fit within our current circumstances. We may not always be able to take massive leaps forward, but we can always identify smaller, feasible steps that keep us moving in the right direction.
3. Imperfect – Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. By embracing imperfection, we allow ourselves to make mistakes, learn from them, and adapt. Taking action, even if flawed, is far better than being paralyzed by the fear of not getting it exactly right.

Too often, we are encouraged to take massive action to achieve our dreams. While bold moves have their place, they can also create a sense of overwhelm. Seeing the metaphorical mountain ahead, we might freeze, unsure of where to begin. Instead, we should focus on small, achievable steps—knowing that each step builds momentum and brings us closer to our goal.

Ultimately, the secret to sustained progress lies in embracing incremental, implementable, and imperfect actions. Whether we are launching a project, learning a new skill, or striving for personal growth, small, intentional steps will help us overcome self-doubt, avoid paralysis by analysis, and keep moving forward. The key is to start, to act, and to remain open to learning along the way. By doing so, we not only make steady progress but also develop resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to tackle even the biggest of dreams.