In the entrepreneurial and small business world the phrase, “start before you’re ready,” has become a mantra. For some of us, that mantra can be taken too far and too fast in some instances. As a recovering impatient creative, I have learn hard lessons from taking giant leaps before mapping out a progressive course. I wanted to get to the finish line and thought I could fill in the blanks later. After years of beating myself up for my mistakes, I finally understand the importance of baby steps and slow growth. My unpolished mindset taught me what not to do at a young age when I had little to lose and for that I am grateful. This doesn’t mean I will not make bigger mistakes in the future with bigger loss, however, I will not make the same ones over again. Now, I can truly see and instinctively feel the value of baby steps. My mom has been vindicated in her wise advice to always, “KISS IT” (keep it simple stupid) and to “take baby step.” Thankfully, my mom has the biggest, loving heart and will never say “I told you so.” That is unconditional love right there.

SIDE NOTE: If someone has the opportunity to be right and relish in an ego boost and they choose to cheer for your success instead, you’ve got a great supporter by your side. It is so important to have people—there may be just one—that you can depend on that will be completely honest with you because they want to see you do your very best. They can be hard to find, but you’ll know when you’ve found one when they get excited for your wins in life rather than become jealous, make it about them or end the conversation abruptly. This is an abusive relationship no matter who this person is to you and it’s best to distance yourself from them immediately.

Back to baby steps. A big part of taking effective baby steps is that you have a clear vision of where you’re going, create an outline of what you need to get there, then reduce that down to monthly, weekly and daily action steps and finally let go and trust that you’ll know what adjustments to make along the way. Patience is required.