Wishful Thinking Won't Grow Your Business: The Path to Real Action

The Small Wins That Drive Real Change

Five minutes of focused work a day might not sound like much, but the sense of accomplishment it gave me built momentum.

In the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, I was caught in a cycle of endless preparation and not much genuine action, but didn’t even realize it at the time.  I’d save every productivity tip, bookmark articles about time management, and purchase every planner that promised to organize my chaotic mind. 

My bookshelf became a graveyard of beautiful, unused planners, each waiting for that mythical moment when I’d finally “get it together.” That moment, of course, never truly came. I was also trapped in comparison. Watching other female entrepreneurs thrive, I’d think, “Why can’t I do that?” Yet deep down, I doubted myself, spiraling into shame every time I abandoned another grand plan created in a burst of dopamine-fueled enthusiasm.  

The turning point came when I couldn’t ignore the toll this pattern was taking on my revenue, my client relationships, and—most importantly—my peace of mind. The frustration became unbearable. I realized I was more afraid of staying stuck than of the discomfort that change would bring. My self-talk shifted from “I’ll never figure this out” to “What’s one small step I can take today?” I knew the path forward wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready to stop making excuses and start doing the hard work.  

To move from wishing to doing, I began with a self-assessment. I asked myself tough questions: Was I more frustrated by stagnation than by the fear of change? Could I confront my challenges without succumbing to shame? Was I truly ready to invest time, energy, and resources into a process I knew would be messy and non-linear? These questions helped me see where I was stuck in wishful thinking and where I was ready to take real action.  From there, I developed a practical plan. I identified my biggest pain points and focused on realistic, incremental goals. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I embraced the power of micro-commitments. Five minutes of focused work a day might not sound like much, but the sense of accomplishment it gave me built momentum. Each small win reminded me that progress, however imperfect, was still progress.  

I also leaned on my support system. Accountability partners—friends, colleagues, and mentors—helped me stay the course, especially when my motivation waned. I stopped chasing the “perfect” tools and strategies and started valuing consistency over perfection. Life, of course, had its rough patches. 

There were times when personal crises forced me to pause and regroup. But even during those pauses, I kept my long-term goals in sight. I learned to accept that the journey wouldn’t be linear and that setbacks were just part of the process.  Today, I can confidently say I’ve moved from wishing to readiness. The transformation wasn’t quick or easy, but it was worth every ounce of effort. I continue to set small, achievable goals, celebrate my wins, and remain flexible when things don’t go as planned. 

If my story resonates with you, know this: you’re not alone. Whether you’re still dreaming or on the cusp of action, every step—no matter how small—counts. I’d love to hear about your journey. Send me a DM, or shoot me an email. Let’s keep supporting each other, celebrating the imperfect progress that leads to extraordinary outcomes. Stay driven, stay inspired, and remember—every messy, imperfect step is worth it.