This is a guest post written by my friend Dave Herpy. Years ago, he invited me to speak at one of their conferences, and I have always admired his character and his writing.
A few years ago, the idea of running a half-marathon seemed impossible.
Between a full-time career, raising four children, coaching youth sports, and the everyday responsibilities of life, finding time to train felt like a challenge in itself.
Yet I decided to start with one small step: an early morning run.
That run became another run, then another. Over time, those small, consistent efforts led to multiple half marathons, new personal bests, and goals I once thought were out of reach.
What I've learned is that this lesson extends far beyond running. The same principle applies to leadership, parenting, career growth, and personal development. Meaningful change rarely happens overnight. More often, it is the result of showing up consistently, even when progress feels slow or invisible.
In a world that celebrates quick wins and instant results, it's easy to underestimate the power of small steps. But the most significant achievements are often built through ordinary actions repeated over time.
Today, whenever I face a new challenge, I remind myself of a simple truth:
The distance between where you are and where you want to be is often just a series of small steps taken consistently.
The distance between where you are and where you want to be is often just a series of small steps taken consistently.
Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook

