Dream big!

Start that business, write that book, or master new skills. But then reality hits, and we doubt ourselves. We wait for the “perfect moment” or the “right conditions,” only to find ourselves stuck in place.

I’ve been there too, caught in a loop of overthinking, perfectionism, and procrastination.

The root cause of it all?

I was too afraid to start small.

Not entirely afraid. But more into ego in myself, I wanted quick progress. I thought that I was capable of going all in but failed shamefully in the middle of the progress.

The Struggle with Perfectionism

For the longest time, I believed every step I took toward my goals had to be max-level or extreme. This mindset led me to a trap where I wouldn’t even begin unless I could somehow finish the project. Unless I could somehow succeed in the first try.

Well, I eventually procrastinate a lot.

I thought, “Why bother to start if I eventually won’t finish it?”

Let me just wait for another couple of hours. Maybe tonight I will be motivated to start and finish it. Or maybe tomorrow, when I have motivation in the morning, I could start with full energy and make better progress than right now.

But life doesn’t work that way.

Here’s the truth: small progress compounds.

• Writing a single sentence today might feel minor, but do that every day, and you’ll have a book.
• A five-minute workout might not seem transformative, but string it together with others, and your body will thank you.
• Meditating for one minute every day might not change much of your state of mind, but eventually you will start to have peace of mind.

Slowly, but surely, it will change your life.

Why Starting Small Works

1. Burnout Avoided: Tackling a small task is easier than trying to solve the whole puzzle at once.
2. Builds Momentum: Small wins lead to motivation. The act of completing one task gives you the energy to tackle the next.
3. Creates Habits: Consistent action over time forms habits, and habits are the foundation of long-term success.

How to Start Building a Progress Over Perfection Mindset

1. Set Tiny Goals: Start with something so small it feels laughable. Want to write? Commit to one sentence a day. Want to exercise? Start with five push-ups.
2. Focus on consistency: Show up every day. Progress isn’t about how much you do; it’s about doing something regularly.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is worth celebrating. It strengthens the habit and keeps you motivated.
4. Accept Imperfection: Remind yourself that imperfection is part of growth. Mistakes teach you what works and what doesn’t.

Conclusion

Success isn’t about perfection.

It’s about progress.

The next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember that small steps lead the way to big changes.

Because at the end, you don’t have to be perfect.

You just have to start.