Big Magic of Small Things

I just had a group finish the 2 Weeks to a Breakthrough Program. It is interesting to hear their thoughts about the practices that were most helpful in moving their goals forward. Several mentioned the same thing near the top of their list:

Small matters. Committing to just 30 minutes of focused action - or 60 minutes a day when you have the time - adds up and makes a big difference.

I think that even 15 minutes a day could make a big difference. If you were focused and in action for 15 minutes each day, your goal would move forward. Things you can do in 15 minutes:

• Read one chapter in a new and exciting book.
• Send off three emails.
• Call someone.
• Get more organized.
• Internet research.
• Create an action plan for the week - design it to be accomplished in several small time increments.
• Have an informal meeting.
• Brainstorm new ideas.
• Define your goal and create your elevator speech.
• Reflect on your successes and setbacks. Assess root cases of setbacks.
• Define what success looks like.
• Make two requests.
• Share your goal with someone else.
• Write a paragraph.
• Look up five people to contact later.
• Order supplies or a book from Amazon.
• Create a rough draft of a flyer.
• Make two appointments with important contacts.
• Benchmark what others are doing.
• Create or refine your plan.
• Copy and share your flyer.
• Take a restorative walk.
• Get focused - say no to something.
• Work on the product concept.
• Try the competition.
• Make a list of people you should know and how you might get to know them.
• Make a commitment to deliver results. Tell someone else your intention.
• Hunker down and work on the project.
• Recruit help or coaching.
• Celebrate a success.

The list could go on forever... Try 15 minutes this week. 20 next week and 30 minutes in two weeks. Notice how you are getting things done and feeling better about your progress. Your energy and accomplishment will fuel continued progress.