Letters to Myself: Entry Eleven
Prompt: What do small steps matter?
Sometimes we get so focused on the big milestones that we forget about the little actions that actually get us there. I’ve been reflecting lately on the beauty of small steps. The often-overlooked details that shape who we become. This free write is a reminder to myself (and hopefully to you too) that progress isn’t about rushing, it’s about moving forward one step at a time.
Answer to the prompt:
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the “small steps” mindset. It’s become something I truly care about, because in any action you take in life, the only way forward is one step at a time. We tend to glorify the big leaps, the moments when everything seems to shift at once, but in reality, it’s the little steps in between that carry us there.
This year especially, I’ve learned the importance of those steps. Whether in my personal life or in my work, I’ve realized that if you skip over them or try to rush past them, you miss the very details that build the bridge you’re trying to cross. And when you miss steps on a bridge, you risk falling. Even if you do fall, though, the beauty of small steps is that you can always get back up and start again.
The more you appreciate those steps, the less consumed you become with comparing yourself to others. Because here’s the truth: everything you want in life, everything you see other people achieving, came to them the same way. Step by step. Sometimes the path is longer, sometimes the steps are harder, but no one gets there without walking the bridge.
This shift in perspective has helped me root for others instead of growing bitter. Their success doesn’t take away from my own path, it just means today was their turn. My turn will come too, in its own time. And by showing others respect and gratitude for their wins, I also open myself up to learning from them. Maybe their steps can help guide mine.
Whether it’s moving somewhere new, starting over in a career, putting yourself out there to find love, or simply building better habits, every small step matters. Yes, it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to feel like you’re starting over. But each step you take, even the mundane ones, makes you stronger and prepares you for what’s ahead.
So don’t let comparison or rejection slow you down. Don’t stop walking just because someone else got the job, the partner, or the opportunity you wanted. The next step you take is the better one anyway. Because it’s yours.
The beauty of small steps is that they’re proof you’re trying. And trying is the most valuable thing you can do. Over time, those steps add up to something bigger than you ever imagined: a life built with intention, resilience, and hope.
This post is part of my "Letters to Myself" series — a weekly free-write blog where I explore personal growth, curiosity, and healing through simple prompts. Sometimes reflective, sometimes fun, but always real. Thank you for being here.
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Photo by Kyle Gare
