“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Lao Tzu
The Power of the First Step
Self-leadership principles teach us that success isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about taking the first step forward. A thousand-mile journey sounds daunting, but every great leader starts the same way: by committing to small, intentional steps.
What I love about this quote is that it doesn’t talk about an easy journey. It acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge. And yet, it points to something incredibly simple: the first step is what matters most.
This lesson shaped my mindset while training for Ironman competitions. Thinking about 140.6 miles in its entirety—a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon—can crush you. The weight of what lies ahead is paralyzing if you focus on the whole picture at once.
So I never did. Instead, I broke it down:
- The next buoy in the water—manageable.
- The next aid station on the bike—achievable.
- The next mile marker on the run—doable.
This mindset isn’t just for endurance sports—it’s the key to leadership. Growth, impact, and transformation don’t come from obsessing over the big picture. They come from taking the next step.
Self-Leadership Starts with One Deliberate Step
Leadership doesn’t begin with an organizational title, a polished strategy, or a detailed five-year plan. It begins with leading yourself.
- Growth isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about small, consistent steps.
- The hardest step is the first one—but once you take it, momentum builds.
- Fear of failure thrives in inaction. The moment you take a step, fear loses its grip.
Think about any great leader you admire. They didn’t get to where they are by waiting for the perfect conditions. They took action. They moved forward before they had all the answers.
What stops most people isn’t a lack of ability—it’s hesitation. The belief that they need to see the whole staircase before stepping onto the first step. But the truth is, clarity comes through movement, not before it.
The Mindset Shift: From Overwhelm to Progress
One of the biggest reasons people struggle with self-leadership is overwhelm. We see the big goal—the long journey ahead—and it feels too massive to take on.
But here’s a game-changing mindset shift: stop focusing on the entire race and focus on the next milestone.
When I was training for Ironman, I never allowed myself to think about the race ahead as more than a reward. While the race was the goal, even more importantly it was the reward for all the early mornings, lunch time swims, long days training on the bike.
This same principle applies to leadership and personal growth:
- Instead of thinking, “How will I master this new skill?” think, “What’s one thing I can learn today?”
- Instead of saying, “How do I become a better communicator?” ask, “What conversation can I handle better this week?”
- Instead of worrying, “How do I lead my team through massive change?” focus on, “What’s the next best decision I can make?”
Progress is never made in leaps—it’s made in next steps.
Recommended Resource: Atomic Habits by James Clear
This is one of my favorite books on creating positive change. It breaks down how small, daily improvements lead to massive transformation over time. If you struggle with starting small, this book will rewire your approach to personal growth and change. Don’t run a marathon, put your shoes out tonight so you can’t skip your run in the morning. Remove the decision in the moment based on the decision you already made.
Self-Leadership Principles for Continuous Growth
Leadership is never about arriving—it’s about becoming. The best leaders don’t focus on where they’ll be in ten years; they focus on the decisions they’re making today.
Here are three core self-leadership principles that drive continuous growth:
1. Intentionality: Growth is a Choice
Leadership doesn’t happen by accident. Every day, you’re either intentionally growing or passively drifting.
- Set clear priorities.
- Be deliberate about what you consume.
- Choose progress over perfection.
2. Resilience: Growth Happens in the Struggle
Every worthwhile journey includes difficulty. The leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who avoid struggle—they’re the ones who embrace it.
- Accept that discomfort is part of growth.
- See setbacks as lessons, not roadblocks.
- Build mental endurance—just focus on the next step.
3. Self-Discipline: Action Wins Over Motivation
Motivation fades. Discipline keeps you moving. The best leaders aren’t waiting to “feel like” taking action. They move forward anyway.
- Don’t rely on motivation—build habits.
- Make commitments, not excuses.
- Take one small step every day, no matter what.
Three Actionable Leadership Practices
The best leadership lessons are worthless without action. Here’s how you can apply today’s lesson:
1. Set a Micro-Goal for the Next 24 Hours
Instead of overwhelming yourself with a massive goal, set a simple, achievable target for the next day.
Example: If you want to be a better communicator, schedule one difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.
2. Implement the “Next Milestone” Mindset
Train your brain to focus on the next step, not the full journey.
Example: If writing a book feels overwhelming, commit to just 500 words today.
3. Track Progress and Reflect
Take five minutes each night to answer: What step did I take today? What did I learn?
Example: Keep a simple leadership journal or use an app to log small wins.
The Journey is the Goal
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Just like racing an Ironman, the finish line isn’t what matters—it’s how you show up for the next milestone.
So here’s my challenge: What’s your next buoy? Your next mile marker? Your next step? Take it today.
