“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” -Vincent Van Gogh
Can a marathon be completed without ever running? Can a book be published without ever writing? Can you build a business without working? Of course not. Completing a marathon, writing a book, and building a business are big things. They don’t just show up. They come about as the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of small consistent actions.
We must be intentional about what we want to accomplish. There is no better or more proven method to do this than through an official planning process:
- Set up target goal(s)
- Define current state
- Identify action steps to get from A to B.
This is simple to understand in concept, but difficult in practice. The small actions have to be working towards the desired result. Random actions lead to random results. These consistent actions are the secret sauce to being who we want to be and doing what we want to do.
As the actions accumulate, we expect that:
Small actions are progress and progress leads to personal fulfillment. The science is conclusive linking happiness to the current answer of “are we making progress towards important goals, objectives, and purposes?” We think that the result of the goal will make us happier. The process is the reward, the daily striving through consistent action.
Small actions inspire us. Setting out goals and laying out the plan is necessary, but doesn’t create momentum. Momentum comes from the daily grind. As we see the actions build upon each other, we are encouraged for the next small action. We will reflect on our achievement after each goal is reached. We can also find inspiration from the results of others. Internal motivation comes from recognizing the power of our daily actions.
Small actions inspire others. In other words, be an example to others. If we act in accordance with our goals, it is contagious. The ability to serve others increases. Seeing someone make considerable progress, moving towards goals, and achieving big things can’t help but encourage others.
Small actions allow for efficient course corrections. Life will not go as planned. Progress towards the goal will not be a straight line. We will experience hiccups along the path. When life throws a curveball, make a change.
Small actions are realistic. Small actions get us going. They don’t feel overwhelming. We know we can focus on this moment, right now. What is the next best action? What can we do to take a step in the right direction?
Small actions over time lead to newer bigger goals. The ability to be on a continuum towards the goal is where life is found. To know who we are and what we want, we get going. Our goals change. They align with who we become. This is maturity. This is growth. A plan must be dynamic, allowing for the goals to change as we change. The goals mature as we mature. In our financial lives, we may start with basic goals of sustenance for our families. We progress to goals related to service, passion, and legacy.
Financial planning happens to be a critical area of our lives to manage well. Its impacts are far reaching and long lasting for our family and legacy. We need to make decisions and act within the framework of our plans.
The plan is the map. The goals are our destinations, our big things. We must deliver those small actions. The planner provides guidance and accountability. The result will be there, in its time. We must be patient and allow the small steps to stack together.
“Even the largest avalanche is triggered by small things.” -Vernor Vinge
