Unlock big changes with small steps
As I crafted my vision board for 2025, I realised I was stepping into the year differently than before. Gone were the days of rigid resolutions or lofty goals that left me feeling more overwhelmed than accomplished. Instead, I was drawn to images and words that reflected the kind of life I wanted to nurture this year, a life rooted in consistency, reflection, gratitude, and growth.
Each piece on my board feels like a gentle reminder of the person I’m becoming. A signpost pointing toward financial freedom reminds me of the autonomy I crave in my work and life. An image of a glowing tent under the stars whispers to me to collect memories, not things. And in the corner, the words “progress over perfection” stand boldly, echoing the mantra I’ve chosen to carry with me this year.
This wasn’t just a creative exercise. It was a commitment to something deeper: the belief that small, intentional steps can unlock the most meaningful changes. My vision board is a reminder that every action I take—no matter how small—has the power to shape my future.
As I look at my vision board, I notice the themes emerging from it. There’s an image of a serene forest path with sunlight streaming through the trees. It’s not just beautiful—it’s symbolic. It reminds me that big dreams aren’t achieved in a single leap; they’re built through small, steady steps. That image keeps me grounded when I start to feel impatient or overwhelmed.
Nearby, there’s a picture of someone kayaking on a calm, expansive lake. To me, it speaks of adventure and connection, of finding peace and joy in nature. I think of the memories I want to create this year—time spent with loved ones, moments of exploration, and a deeper connection to myself as well as to nature. These are the experiences that fill my heart far more than material things ever could.
But perhaps the most meaningful phrase on my board is “progress over perfection.” I’ll admit, I’ve always struggled with overthinking. There have been so many times I’ve held back, waiting for the perfect plan or the perfect moment to take action. This year, I’m letting that go. I’m choosing to take the messy, imperfect steps, because they’re still steps forward. What would you do if you stopped waiting for perfection and started taking action today?
One small change I’ve made to stay aligned with my vision is setting aside time each week to reflect. It’s become my peaceful Friday morning ritual. I find a quiet spot outside, coffee in hand, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. This time of reflection has become a meaningful way to close out my work week and create space to be more present in my personal life.
At first, I wasn’t sure if reflection would feel natural, but I’ve already started to see its value. As I look back on the week, I notice the moments that brought me joy or clarity, the challenges that pushed me to grow, and the small steps I’ve taken toward my dreams. Some of those steps feel so small that they might not seem like much to others. But to me, they’re a sign that I’m moving forward, and that means everything.
Even though I’ve only just started, I’m already beginning to notice how these reflections help me feel more aligned with the person I want to become. Taking this time feels intentional, like a quiet reset that reminds me I don’t need to get everything right all at once. All I need to do is keep showing up.
When I think about change, I’m reminded of something James Clear wrote in Atomic Habits: “Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.” That idea has stuck with me. Change isn’t about grand gestures or overnight success. It’s about the tiny, often invisible choices we make every single day.
For me, those choices look like pausing to take a deep breath before diving into a busy day, a small moment that helps me feel grounded and focused. They look like stepping outside for five minutes to feel the fresh air on my face and reconnect with the present moment, especially when the day feels overwhelming. And they look like catching myself scrolling through social media at night and choosing instead to set my phone aside, making space to read instead. These small, intentional acts remind me that change doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from simply showing up for myself, one moment at a time.
This approach reminds me of the work we do as occupational therapists. Just as we guide our clients to celebrate small wins in their therapy journey—whether it’s a child mastering a new fine motor skill or a parent feeling more confident in supporting their child—I’m learning to embrace the small victories in my own journey. These small wins may not seem groundbreaking, but they are teaching me patience and resilience. They’re helping me trust that the life I want to create is already unfolding, one small step at a time.
As the year goes on, I know my vision board will continue to evolve, just as I will. It’s not about checking things off or achieving perfection. It’s about staying connected to what matters most—growth, reflection, and showing up for the life I want to live.
I don’t know exactly what the end of this year will look like, but I do know this: when I look back, I’ll see a story of progress. Not perfection, but steady, meaningful progress.