Why Small Steps (Even Messy Ones) Are Your Secret to Business Success...

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

This ancient wisdom from Lao Tzu perfectly captures the paradox many business owners face: we know where we want to go, but that first step feels impossibly daunting.

If you've ever felt paralysed by the gap between where you are and where you want to be, you're not alone.

I hear similar concerns from my clients like:

I know I need to be more visible, but I'm not ready to put myself out there.
Everyone else seems to know exactly what they're doing—I feel like an impostor.

When I first recognised that Instagram reels were good for getting my message out, I spent way too much time in planning mode. But when it came to actually recording and posting? I froze.

So, if perfect preparation isn't the answer, what is?

The Truth About Progress
Here's the reality: the successful version of yourself that you envision isn't created through perfect planning—they are built through consistent, imperfect action.

The trick is understanding that growth isn't about making massive leaps forward. It's about taking small, manageable steps, even (especially) when they feel uncomfortable.

When we wait for everything to be perfect—the lighting, the script, our confidence—we're not protecting ourselves from failure. We're actually preventing our own growth.

The Five-Minute Future Self Technique

What if you could bypass the overthinking and take action anyway? You can.

Try the "Five-Minute Future Self" technique. Here's how it works:

Instead of imagining your perfectly successful future self (which can feel overwhelming), focus on yourself just five minutes after taking action. Feel the immediate relief of moving forward, however imperfectly.

Because here's the truth: the weight of not taking action is often heavier than the discomfort of taking imperfect action.

Real Growth Through Imperfect Action

Let me share something personal about my journey with Instagram reels.

My attempts (past and present) are far from perfect. The framing is sometimes off. The lighting is inconsistent. My delivery is sometimes stilted. But each "imperfect" post teaches me something valuable that no amount of planning can reveal.

What I have discovered is this: perfection isn't just impossible—it's unnecessary. Your audience connects with progress, not perfection. They want to see the real you, showing up consistently and authentically.

Creating Your Path Forward

The path to becoming your future successful self isn't paved with perfect plans. It's built with small, consistent actions:
• The video you record before you feel completely ready
• The service you launch before every detail is perfect
• The story you share while your voice still shakes

Because here's the reality: your future success isn't determined by how perfectly you execute each step. It's determined by your willingness to keep taking steps forward, especially on the days when you don't feel ready.

Your Next Step Forward

What small action could you take today that would move you closer to your goals?

Choose something specific. Something that makes your stomach flutter slightly—that's often a sign you're moving in the right direction.

Then, use the Five-Minute Future Self technique. Focus on how you'll feel five minutes after taking action, not five months or five years from now.

Remember: The future version of yourself isn't waiting for you to be perfect. They’re waiting for you to begin.

What small step will you take today?