Chapter 1: The Value of Small Steps

The concept of taking things one step at a time may seem overused, yet there is immense strength in this approach. Success is often the culmination of modest, consistent actions carried out day after day.

Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash

Initially, I didn’t develop the habit of breaking tasks into manageable portions during my medical studies; I was too engrossed in self-discovery. It was only during my postgraduate studies that I adopted this practice. Most of my evaluations were based on research papers, which required diligent research, drafting, citing sources, and compiling references before submission.

These essays were often lengthy, making it impossible to complete them in a single session. My routine involved waking up, completing my morning tasks, working for a couple of hours, and then taking a break. Occasionally, I would revisit the essay later, and sometimes, my morning effort would suffice for the day. I repeated this cycle each day.

My master’s program spanned nine months, and it was this habit of incremental progress that led to my eventual success, earning me a cumulative grade of B.

After completing my degree, I continued to embrace this method. Whenever I faced personal or professional projects, I knew I could achieve them by dedicating a little time each day. I avoided overwhelming myself, and before I knew it, I had completed the entire project.

One of my recent undertakings involved assisting my husband with his migration to North America. The paperwork was daunting, and the checklist was intimidating. However, I reminded myself of my strategy: take it step by step.

Given my 9 to 5 job, I reserved this task for the weekends. Each weekend, I would visit the library for two hours to focus on the application. During the week, I would tackle the administrative tasks like copying and mailing documents. After several months of consistent effort, I completed and submitted the paperwork, and now he resides with me in North America.

Let’s pivot to finances. Over the past two years, I encountered significant expenses from international flights and accommodation that adversely affected my credit score. To counter this, I made several changes. With few exceptions, I opted to use cash and debit cards for transactions. For monthly payments, I consistently paid two to four times the minimum required amount. This approach has successfully elevated my credit score from the 600s to the 700s.

I’ve also been discussing my board exams for quite some time. I am still applying the same principle: studying for an hour or two each weekday before heading out. I prefer not to study on weekends, as I find it hard to concentrate then.

My curriculum is extensive, which makes me feel less confident compared to smaller projects. Additionally, the negative reputation of these exams, coupled with health challenges, has made my goal feel overwhelming. Nonetheless, I remain committed to my daily routine. As we have observed, consistency pays off. My exams are scheduled for late August, and if I maintain my current pace, I am likely to be well-prepared.

Thanks to Jason Edmunds for the inspiration.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

Chapter 2: A Familiar Lesson

In this engaging music video, JVKE captures the essence of falling in love, reflecting on the emotional journey that comes with it. With lyrics that resonate deeply, it’s a reminder of the beauty found in personal connections.

Chapter 3: The Importance of Personal Growth

Perhaps following a path that suits you isn't such misguided advice. The key is not to measure each day solely by the outcomes but by the seeds you have sown for future growth.