Don't Give up-The Power of A Small Step

I spend a lot of time thinking and talking about style. I love watching how other people do it—what they choose, how they put things together, and the story behind why they wear what they do. I’m endlessly curious about how this process plays out.

What I find harder is turning that same curiosity toward myself. It’s much easier to stay in my head than to actually do something; to make an attempt and risk falling short. I have high expectations for how good things are “supposed” to look or feel, and when reality doesn’t quite match, it can stop me from doing anything at all.

They say our biggest regrets in life are often about the things we wanted to do but never tried. I’m not sure that’s always true—but it does make me pause.

If you’re like me, and you sometimes hesitate to take a step forward because it feels risky or uncomfortable, consider this a little push. Do something small. Take one step, even if it’s not perfect. Then another tomorrow. Those tiny moments of action add up—they create momentum, confidence, and even clarity.

So this past week, I focused on taking my own small steps. They were simple, but they inched me forward. I kept track as a reminder (mostly to myself) that the “right” amount of time to spend is whatever amount of time is available. It can be five minutes or fifty—it’s all valuable.

Sunday: Went through a pile of clothes that’s been sitting in my closet for a few weeks.

(10 minutes)

Monday: Ordered something to wear to my daughter’s baby shower in December.

(15 minutes)

Tuesday: Photographed shoes for my clothing inventory project.

(5 minutes)

Wednesday: Hand washed undergarments.

(30 minutes)

Thursday: Stopped by Marshalls—I find some of my favorite hair products there.

(30 minutes)

Friday:  Photographed more shoes and finished hand washing.

(20 minutes)

Creating a little bit of space each day reminded me that these small actions belong in my day. They also prove that what we value deserves our time and attention.

With so much coming at us from so many directions, it’s all too easy to let go of the small things we do just for ourselves. A neater closet, freshly washed garments, and a slightly better handle on what I own might not seem like much to anyone else—but they mean something to me. They remind me that I haven’t given up on myself.

Progress doesn’t always look big or glamorous. Sometimes it’s simply a week’s worth of tiny steps that, together, whisper the message: keep going.

So, don't give up on yourself.

What’s one small thing you could do today to move you—or your style—forward?