Build the Future You Want – One Small Step at a Time

In her book Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want, Grace Lordan offers a powerful framework to help you achieve long-term career goals, grounded in behavioral science. Here’s a quick guide to applying her insights in your journey toward success:

1. Start Where You Are: Small Actions, Big Results

Often, we underestimate how much we’ll grow over time. Lordan reminds us that small, consistent actions add up in a big way. Even modest efforts today can create massive changes in the future. So, think big—but take small, manageable steps to get there. Over time, these steps compound to shape the person you aspire to be.

2. Identify Your “ME+” Future Self

To achieve your long-term career goals, you need a clear vision of your future self. Think of this person as "ME+"—the ideal version of yourself after you’ve achieved your big goals. Keeping this image front and center will help fuel your motivation and guide your daily decisions.

3. Set the Right Structure

Progress doesn’t happen by chance. Establish routines and accountability systems that support your goals. Create a plan that’s easy to follow and fits into your day-to-day life. You’ll be more likely to stay on track if you’ve built structures that hold you accountable.

4. Challenge Limiting Beliefs

We all have self-limiting narratives that hold us back. Lordan emphasizes the importance of recognizing these negative thoughts and challenging them. What are the stories you’re telling yourself that might be limiting your potential? By reframing these beliefs, you open up a world of new possibilities.

5. Cultivate Resilience

Achieving big goals is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be setbacks. The key is resilience—reframing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Celebrate small wins along the way, and don’t let setbacks derail your momentum. Remember, progress is often gradual, but perseverance pays off.

6. Design Your Environment for Success

Your environment plays a major role in your productivity. Minimize distractions, set up a workspace that encourages focus, and use environmental cues to stay motivated. Whether it’s a clutter-free desk or regular breaks, small tweaks can boost your ability to stay on track.

7. Network with Intention

Don’t underestimate the power of diverse networks. Lordan advises expanding your circle to include people from various backgrounds. Exposure to different perspectives can broaden your opportunities and help you receive feedback that drives growth.

8. Leverage the Power of "Yes"

When seeking support or collaboration, frame your requests positively. Compliment the other person genuinely, share your ideas often, and make it easier for them to say “yes” to your requests. This simple technique can unlock new opportunities and partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

• Think big, but take small, manageable steps every day.

• Identify your future self and stay motivated by visualizing your goals.

• Cultivate resilience and embrace setbacks as learning experiences.

• Design your environment to maximize focus and productivity.

With a clear vision, consistent action, and resilience, you’ll gradually build the future you’ve always dreamed of. Keep taking those small steps—they’re more powerful than you think!

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Until next time,

Georgios Tragkas