We all have dreams – aspirations and visions of the lives we wish we could lead. Whether it’s traveling to faraway lands, becoming the person we’ve always admired, or simply living with more joy, kindness, and purpose, these dreams represent the untapped potential within us. We reach these dreams through continuous improvement, not usually by jumping right in.

In our minds, these dreams often appear as vibrant, fully-realized realities – lives where our words uplift rather than hurt, where compassion and forgiveness flow freely, and where our presence encourages and inspires those around us. It’s a tantalizing vision, one that ignites our imagination and fuels our hopes for the future.

However, the harsh reality is that dreams do not come true all of a sudden. Anyone who has ever made a New Year’s resolution knows this all too well. Change is not an instantaneous transformation, but a gradual process of small, incremental steps. Yet, instead of embracing that process, we often give up before we even begin. “I know I won’t do it anyway, so I may as well not try,” we tell ourselves, succumbing to the allure of instant gratification and the fear of failure.

Why do we give up so easily? I believe it’s because we underestimate the profound impact that small, consistent actions can have. We dismiss the power of the humble brick, failing to recognize that it is the foundation upon which grand structures are built. In the book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, Charles Duhigg explores the Kaizen methodology and how small, habitual, continuous improvement, changes can transform a business.

“Small wins are a steady application of a small advantage. Once a small win has been accomplished, forces are set in motion that favor another small win.”

Charles Duhigg

Your dreams, your vision of a better life, can be realized – but it will happen slowly, one step at a time. Your life can be changed, your heart softened where it needs to be and strengthened where it requires fortitude. You are called to be so much more than you are right now, and those dreams you have about becoming a better person are given to you for a reason.

The key is to start building, brick by brick. Acknowledge that progress may be gradual, but trust that each small action, each seemingly insignificant step, is contributing to the realization of your aspirations. Embrace the journey, savoring the small victories and learning from the setbacks. For it is in the seemingly mundane moments that the extraordinary is born.

So, don’t give up on your dreams. Recognize the profound power of small steps and begin laying the foundation for the life you wish to lead. Brick by brick, with continuous improvement, you can transform your vision into reality, one purposeful action at a time.