A perspective that small actions add up...

Most likely, you have heard or seen a message on your Pinterest page reading "small things add up." However, it can be discouraging when the small things don't feel like they are moving the needle over time. So what helps me most in times of feeling stuck and unsure is bringing another perspective into the picture.

The other day, my mind was immediately drawn to comparing this message to a 1000-piece puzzle. When you dump all those tiny pieces out, you may feel determined and set on completing a good portion of the puzzle in one sitting. But in reality, you will be more productive over a longer period of time to complete it.

One day may be simply organizing the corner pieces, and another may be finally finding the piece that bridges the middle together.

There will be days when you feel like you have made no progress, and other days when the excitement of an image starts to form. However, it doesn’t all come together in a matter of hours; it takes small, simple steps to get to the finished product. 

This brought some perspective when I feel like I want to be further along in any aspect of my life. I can start to remember that putting small pieces together is still productive even if the pieces seem unclear at the moment.

A reminder (to myself) to spend more time taking small actions than thinking and strategizing where to put the piece without any movement. Each small action will get you closer to days when different parts of “the puzzle” start to come together.

So start to move pieces even if you’re unsure and adjust later...and don’t expect yourself to finish an entire puzzle in a few sittings.