Sometimes You Have to Start Small

“Sometimes you have to start small, climbing the tiniest wall, but it’s better than not starting at all.”- “Everybody Says Don’t” from Anyone Can Whistle by Steven Sondheim

 

I love the version of this song that Barbra Streisand sings. I will never forget the first time I heard it on her Back to Broadway Album. This was my first conscious listening to Barbra Streisand and I instantly became a fan. The Back to Broadway album is the one I listen to when I need to think, need some inspiration or wisdom. I am constantly repeating the above quote to myself and sometimes to my clients as well. I have big ideas and expectations. When it seems like I will never get to the other side of an obstacle, after freaking out a little or maybe a lot, I hear Barbra singing this song. I remember all the times this song helped me to see that I could find a way to chip away at the boulder in my way to make it to the other side.

I have a way of creating a large task for myself. I can see myself on the other side, triumphant and accomplished. Once I convince myself this particular task is worth tackling the little things build up and seem insurmountable. I am hard wired to fight back, to obliterate the little tasks until they become only checks on my to do list. There are times when I have lost the battle too many times and I want to give up. Then out of nowhere I remember the song. I remind myself “it’s better than not starting at all.”

I have found myself back there again. I am overwhelmed with large tasks, some of which I have chosen, others that have been unapologetically thrust upon me. I have no choice but to keep moving. I have to start small and keep chipping away knowing that even a dent is something and better than nothing at all.

Play-Doh flower