Dare to live without limits Week of 12/23/19

By: 
Bryan Golden

Everything that is worthwhile starts small
The largest trees on earth all start from a single seed. Massive buildings begin as a thought in someone’s mind. A long journey commences with the first step. Big dreams are wonderful. Starting small is how they are achieved.
When a company has an idea for a new product, they start small by first building a prototype. This is a fully functional model which can be tested and evaluated before putting it into full scale production, and distribution.
If problems are identified with the prototype, alterations can be made, or the prototype can be redesigned. Prototyping prevents costly mistakes of manufacturing a product which does not fully function as intended.
Once a final version of the prototype is approved, the next step is test marketing. Here, a limited number of the prototype is produced to assess consumer demand. If there is enough demand, the prototype will be put into full production. If there’s not, additional changes can be made before moving forward.
You can utilize this same prototyping process to start small as you embark toward even the biggest goals. Start by testing the viability of your objective. It has to be desirable and workable for you. You also need to be highly motivated. Drive, discipline, and determination are all essential components for goal attainment.
Suppose you have a goal of finishing your college degree. Your prototype might be to register for, and complete just one class. If successful, you can enroll in more classes. If passing the class is a struggle, you have several options. You can seek tutoring help. You might need to switch majors. A different college may be more appropriate. Perhaps online classes might better fit your schedule. By starting small, you have the ability to adjust your strategy as needed.
With each step, you can test and evaluate its effectiveness. You are then able to make any necessary modifications. You have to be willing to make adjustments as needed to accommodate changes in circumstances or objectives.
Not only is a large task broken down into a series of small steps, it’s also broken down into a series of small accomplishments. On the journey to your ultimate goal, celebrate every small success along the way.
A student would celebrate each finished assignment, each test passed, and every class completed. A person on a weight loss program would celebrate each meal which adhered to the diet, and each pound lost. Someone looking to get in better physical shape would celebrate each day of exercise. An individual seeking to save money would celebrate each dollar put into the bank.
Recognizing each small success fuels your motivation. You are acknowledging the progress you are making. Understanding how far a series of small steps have taken you, keeps you moving forward. For example, once you have taken five steps, you know you can take another five to reach ten. Each step forward becomes more readily doable. As you make progress, you keep going because you don’t want to lose what you have already accomplished.
However, a temporary regression is not a reversal in direction. So, a person who has lost 30 pounds in six months has not failed if they gain five pounds over Thanksgiving. They are still 25 pounds less than they used to be. After the holiday, they can get back on track.
Once you have assessed exactly what you want to accomplish, formulate a plan which breaks your objective into the smallest possible steps. Complete one step at a time. Take credit for each successful step. Keep moving forward in small steps until you goal is reached.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2019 Bryan Golden

Category:

The Press

The Press
1550 Woodville Road
Millbury, OH 43447

(419) 836-2221

Email Us

Facebook Twitter

Ohio News Media Association