Why Would You Take Baby Steps as a Grown Person?

Here’s the most useless advice you may have heard when hesitating about pursuing your dream: “Just take the next baby step!”

Let’s be honest – where did that take you?

Most likely, to frustration! Why? Because baby steps require loads of patience, and patience often turns into frustration.

But let’s get back to you. Why are baby steps not what I’d suggest when you have a big dream?

Because when you take the steps of a 1-year-old, you can’t see beyond your 2-inch height, let alone reach that metaphorical playground a mile away. Imagine this: you start out making baby steps, excited about your goal. But soon, wouldn’t you want someone to pick you up because those tiny steps just won’t get you there fast enough?

Now here’s the kicker – when you’re an adult taking baby steps, who’s going to pick you up? No one!

So, let’s assume you have a big dream, and you follow someone’s advice: “Just take some baby steps!” Why on earth would you do that?

The Problem with Baby Steps

Let’s say you’ve always dreamed of relocating to a new city or country. Instead of taking bold action – like booking a flight to visit, researching housing, or beginning to pack – you spend months watching YouTube videos about the destination. Sure, you learn a bit, but you’re not closer to your goal.

Or consider your career: you want to transition into a new role or industry. Instead of networking with key players, attending events, or applying for the job that excites you, you spend endless hours tweaking your résumé, waiting for a reply to two messages you sent, or taking yet another course. Those baby steps might feel like progress, but they’re really just spinning your wheels.

Don’t let yourself be talked into taking baby steps. Take what feels like a big step right from the start! Big steps build momentum. They allow you to gain confidence, and – here’s the secret – they make it easier to take the next big step.

Take Big Steps Instead

Whether it’s a bold decision to visit that new city, have a tough conversation, or submit a daring application, big steps will propel you forward. Remember, you’re a grown person. Walk – or better yet, run – toward your dream!

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for help. Sometimes, your biggest next step is connecting with a critical contact for your goal who seems "out of your reach" here on LinkedIn. Or maybe it's hiring a coach who challenges you enough to take the next big step. The key is to seek support that propels you forward, not stalls you in small, unproductive steps.