Why Thinking Big Isn’t Enough: The Surprising Science of Small Steps That Change Everything

We all know the power of dreaming big. Vision boards, motivational speeches, and ambitious goal setting fill our social media feeds and self-help shelves. But what if the secret to achieving those dreams lies not in the grandeur of the vision, but in the humble, consistent steps taken every day? This is the compelling argument presented by Dr. Grace Lordan in her book Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want.

One of the biggest psychological barriers to change is the all-or-nothing mindset. People often believe that if they can’t make a huge leap, it’s not worth trying at all. This black-and-white thinking leads to procrastination and discouragement. Behavioral science reveals that progress is nonlinear and that tiny, seemingly insignificant actions compound over time to produce extraordinary results.

The book highlights the role of confirmation bias—the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs. This bias can trap individuals in limiting narratives, such as 'I’m not cut out for this career' or 'I always fail when I try something new.' By becoming aware of these mental patterns, you can actively challenge and rewrite your internal stories.

Time management is another crucial factor. Many people underestimate how much time they waste on low-value activities. Conducting a detailed time audit, breaking down your day into 15-minute segments, can uncover surprising insights about where your hours go. Reclaiming even a few hours a week from distractions like excessive emails or unnecessary meetings can be redirected toward meaningful progress.

Beyond the individual, the social environment plays a significant role. External biases, such as similarity bias and unconscious stereotyping, can hinder career advancement. Building diverse networks and seeking mentors and sponsors can help counteract these effects and open doors to new opportunities.

Resilience is the glue that holds this process together. It’s not just about surviving setbacks but growing stronger through them. Small wins, gratitude practices, and prioritizing sleep are practical ways to build resilience daily.

Finally, shaping your physical and digital environment to minimize distractions and maximize focus is essential. Simple changes like adding plants, improving airflow, and batching communication tasks can significantly boost productivity and well-being.

In essence, this book teaches us that big thinking must be paired with small steps, grounded in behavioral science, to create lasting and meaningful change. It’s a refreshing and empowering approach for anyone ready to turn their dreams into reality.

References: Goodreads, Grace Lordan’s website, UCD Behavioral Science Institute, Bookey summaries. 1 2 3 4