Small Steps, Big Results

On a recent visit to my parents, my 83-year-old dad amazed me by casually mentioning that he can do 60 pushups in one go! For context, I can manage about 15 on a good day. Curious, I asked him how he got there.

His answer? He started small. A few pushups here and there, gradually adding more each week. Inspired by his consistency, I decided to try his method. Each week, I’ve been adding a few pushups to my routine.

This experience reminded me of two key lessons:

1. It’s never too late to set a new goal.

2. Small, consistent steps can lead to extraordinary results.

Big dreams can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into bite-sized, actionable steps makes them achievable. Just like my dad worked his way up to 60 pushups, you can build toward your goals one small step at a time.

Staying Open to Possibilities

When setting goals, it’s easy to limit yourself to what feels realistic or attainable. But sometimes, those limits are self-imposed.

Think about this: what if my dad had thought, “Pushups at 83? Not for me”? Or if I had said, “15 pushups are good enough”? We both would have missed out on discovering what we’re truly capable of.

Ask yourself:

• Am I aiming high enough?

• Are limiting beliefs holding me back?

• What opportunities might I uncover if I stay open to possibilities?

Dream big, and stay open to the idea that you can achieve more than you thought possible.

Visualizing Success

When my husband and I set the goal of moving to Hawaii, it felt daunting. But what kept us going was vividly envisioning every aspect of that dream: the tropical rain, vibrant forests, exotic flowers, fresh fruit, and ocean waves. More importantly, we focused on how we wanted to feel—happy, free, and alive.

Visualization keeps your goals alive and motivates you to move forward. It’s not just about seeing the outcome but about imagining the steps you’ll take to get there.

To help you with this, I’ve created a guided meditation available on YouTube and Spotify. It’s designed to help you visualize your dreams and the steps to achieve them. Take a few moments each day to immerse yourself in the imagery of your success and reignite your motivation.

The Power of SMART Goals

To turn dreams into manageable actions, set SMART goals:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

• Measurable: Track your progress with tangible metrics.

• Attainable: Set realistic goals that challenge you.

• Relevant: Align your goals with your core values.

• Time-bound: Set deadlines to stay accountable.

For example, inspired by my dad’s pushup journey, my SMART goal might look like this:

• Start with 15 pushups, three times a week.

• Add 2 pushups each week.

• Track progress and celebrate small wins.

• Reach 30 pushups, then 40, and so on.

Writing down your goals and keeping them visible—on a sticky note or vision board—helps keep you focused and motivated.

Progress Over Perfection

One of the biggest barriers to achieving goals is the trap of perfectionism. But here’s the truth: progress matters more than perfection.

If I miss a day of pushups, it’s okay. What matters is staying consistent and moving forward. Taking imperfect action is better than doing nothing at all. Celebrate your efforts, no matter how small, and trust that consistency over time leads to lasting results.

Your Journey Starts Today

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of small, consistent actions taken over time. Whatever your goal—whether it’s improving your health, pursuing a passion, or achieving a milestone—start small, stay consistent, and trust the process.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into your health and wellness journey, check out my books:

• Discover the Adventure of You: A practical workbook to uncover your core values, find your "why," and map out authentic goals.

• Health BEAMS: A personalized blueprint for balanced living, built around the pillars of Balanced Nutrition, Enjoyable Exercise, Aloha Friends, Mindful Living, and a Sustainable Environment.

And if you’d like personalized support, I’d be honored to be your coach. Together, we can create a path to balance, clarity, and the healthiest version of you. Schedule a free consultation.

You have the power to achieve your dreams. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the magic unfold!