The Power of Small Steps

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. The trick is to focus on the first small thing. Starting small is still starting, and small beginnings often lead to extraordinary endings.”

– VINCENT VAN GOGH

This is so incredibly true and wise. Brick by brick, we build and accomplish things. Too often, we tend to focus on the whole staircase and not the first step. We get deterred and scared off by the big task that lies ahead, instead of just focusing on the first brick that needs to be laid down, then the next, and the next.

I’ve often experienced that when writing, as I’m sure many of you have too.

But it becomes easier once we have the first word, then the next, and the next. Eventually, the sentence is complete. Then we move on to the next one. Then we have a paragraph. We keep going, and eventually, it’s a finished article.

Sure, it may need some polishing here and there, but that’s just part of the process. We’re often scared away by the idea of creating the perfect article from nothing. Expecting to build Rome in a day, perfectly, brick by brick. But that’s never the reality. We start by starting and allow the momentum to continue.

That’s important to me, at least, not getting in the way of the momentum. Letting it flow. Don’t stop. Let it happen. We’ll fix and polish it later.

What are your experiences like when writing?

14 Comments

  1. Stephen Nielsen May 30, 2025

    Wish words.

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 4, 2025

      Thank you so much!

  2. Lorraine Watts May 31, 2025

    Just the words I needed to hear today! Thanks.

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 4, 2025

      I’m so glad to hear that!

  3. P. Gibbens Porro June 6, 2025

    Thank you so much for this …. It is a great way of tackling big things and I appreciate it.

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 22, 2025

      It is my pleasure! I’m so glad you resonated with it.

  4. Jane Chidiebere June 11, 2025

    This is very insightful.

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 4, 2025

      I’m glad it resonates with you. Do you have a similar experience when writing?

  5. Lisa October 4, 2025

    Enjoyed your insights 🙂

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 5, 2025

      I’m so glad to hear that!

  6. Kingsley Musa October 4, 2025

    I can relate with this practical truth.

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 5, 2025

      I’m glad it resonates with you.

  7. Eric Dunbar October 9, 2025

    All great things have small and humble beginnings.

    1. Hannes van Eeden October 22, 2025

      They most certainly do!

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