The other day, Patrice (our IRP specialist) was asked a question while headed to the printer. Her response: Baby steps. It definitely struck me and reminded me of a movie…
In 1991, Bill Murray starred as a character named Bob in a movie called “What about Bob?” In the movie, Bob was afraid of everything. So much so, that he would hardly ever leave his apartment. In the movie his new psychotherapist, Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dryfuss), had published a book called Baby Steps which is seemingly based on taking several small steps on the way to attaining a large goal.
This is not a new concept. We constantly take large projects or goals and break them down into workable chunks. But I believe this process has greater meaning (and difficulty) than people realize.
Consider the first baby step. Taking that first step requires a lot of clarification and a bit of planning if you are to successfully travel anywhere!
- What are you stepping toward?
- What are the obstacles currently in your way?
- How fast will you step?
- Are there others that need to step with you?
- What challenges might trip you up along the way?
All of these things don’t all need solutions before you step, otherwise you may not ever step at all (which was Bob’s problem). But you at least need to have a clear direction or objective.
What does that look like for us? Ask questions of the customer until their needs are crystal clear. Take a minute and see the big picture of a project, before you dive into the specifics…before you take that first baby step.
In essence, baby steps may be small, but their meaning is BIG. They pave the way for met goals and completed projects. And just as it was with Bob, it starts with the first one.
What challenges do you currently face that could benefit from taking that first small step?
Which challenges you more, seeing the small details or seeing the big picture?
What baby step can you take to combat this?
Have a great week!
Chuck Ross
John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and DISC consultant
Author: Change? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?
530-277-6161
“They themselves are makers of themselves.” James Allen
