One Step at a Time: Embracing Progress in Small Increments

A few days ago, I accomplished something that once felt out of reach—I climbed Sri Pada, or Samanala Mountain. The journey started off invigorating and full of excitement, but as I made my way up, I began to feel the challenge. Halfway through, I noticed my colleague climbing faster and steadily moving ahead. I started questioning if I could reach the summit in time. The peak, once so inviting, now felt dauntingly distant.

In moments like these, it’s easy to let doubt take over. But then, I remembered a simple yet powerful idea: focus on the next step. Just one step forward. Instead of obsessing over how far I still had to go, I decided to center my mind on each small milestone along the way—reaching spots like Makara Thorana, Sita Gangula, Rathu Ambalama, Idi Katu Pana, and Ahela Kanuwa. Celebrating each of these as progress toward my goal made the journey feel achievable.

This experience reminded me of the value of incremental improvement in life and work. We often get caught up in our grand visions and big goals, expecting progress to be quick and linear. But real progress is rarely a straight line. Frustration can creep in, especially when we feel we aren’t moving fast enough or when others seem to reach milestones more quickly. In those moments, focusing on just one small improvement at a time can make all the difference. Each small, intentional step brings us closer to our vision.

Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any journey. When they arise, take that one next step forward. Keep your eyes on your ultimate goal, but find strength in celebrating each small victory along the way. Over time, you’ll be amazed at how these steps add up, helping you accomplish something far beyond what you first imagined.