The Small Step Action Plan

Robert Maurer is the author of One Small Step Can Change Your Life. It is one of my favorite books! I think it should be required reading for anyone who is experiencing a crisis or simply feeling stuck. His technique is undeniably simple. It also taps into your own inner wisdom to provide the answers you seek and helps you overcome fear and inertia.

His philosophy is that small steps are things that all of us can do. They add up to big changes because they’re doable and manageable.

Obviously, his book provides much more detail, but here are four keys that provide a brief overview:

1. Ask small questions. “If health were my first priority, what could I be doing differently today?”
2. Think small thoughts. Think of a task or situation that makes you uncomfortable or fearful. Spend a few seconds (not minutes) each day on visualizing a successful outcome.
3. Take small actions. Examples: If your goal is to stop overspending, a small action might be to remove one item from your shopping cart before heading to the register. If your goal is to manage your stress better, a small action could be to take one deep breath.
4. Solve small problems. You’ll often receive intuitive messages about an impending crisis well before the crisis arrives. Don’t ignore early warning signs. Listen. Pay attention and act on the information you’re receiving.

Every time we achieve something new in life it starts with a single step. Don’t fall into the trap of imagining that everything has to be perfect. It never will be. Your task is to figure out what you want. Then allow the Universe to begin bringing together the resources necessary for you to have your dream. Now it’s time for you to take a step in faith and go for your dream. Don’t imagine that the heroes or heroines you look up to haven’t gone through this same process. They have!

If thinking about risk has you running for cover, you might consider the words of former Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer, Brian Goodell, who said, “We all experience doubts and fears as we approach new challenges. The fear diminishes with the confidence that comes from experience and faith. Sometimes you just have to go for it and see what happens. Jumping into the battle does not guarantee victory, but being afraid to try guarantees defeat.”

Everyone has a different set of circumstances that make up their comfort zone. When you choose to move out of the perceived safety of the known and into the unknown, miracles will begin to occur. With each risk you take you’ll start to feel more and more comfortable. You’ll find that the Universe will start to deliver your dreams to you more quickly. Your self-confidence and self-esteem will improve and you’ll begin to feel powerful. Your vision of yourself and what you can achieve in the world will begin to expand. As you become bigger, you’ll find you can hold a vision of what you want to achieve, and before you know it, success will be yours.

You already have more power than you can imagine! Begin to own it. It will provide you with enormous energy to create your dreams. But for now, take the first step!