We’ve all heard the stories. The tales of people who take on monumental tasks, the ones that make you wonder, “How did they ever do that?” It’s easy to imagine that the great accomplishments of history—the incredible inventions, the life-changing art pieces, the jaw-dropping feats of human endurance—came about in moments of brilliance or through colossal, heroic efforts. But I’m here to remind you of something simple: it wasn’t a single heroic effort. It wasn’t a fleeting burst of energy that led to the masterpieces. It was progress—steady, daily progress.
Let’s look at Michelangelo’s David as an example.
For four years, the master sculptor stood before that block of marble, chisel in hand. He wasn’t sculpting a little here and there when he felt like it. He wasn’t waiting for inspiration to strike like a bolt of lightning. No, Michelangelo made a commitment to progress. Day by day, bit by bit, he chipped away, refining his vision, and bringing life out of stone. There’s something incredible about that level of dedication. It wasn’t just about the finished product; it was about the daily practice of committing to progress.
So, what does this have to do with us, with you and me? The truth is, no matter what goal you’ve set for yourself—whether it’s getting in shape, writing a book, launching a business, or simply becoming a better version of yourself—those grand aspirations aren’t going to be built overnight. They won’t arrive in a moment of inspiration or a surge of motivation. They come to life one small action at a time.
The Power of Small Steps
If you’re waiting for the perfect day to make a big leap, you might find yourself waiting a long time. Life gets in the way; it always does. The idea that we can accomplish something monumental all at once is a myth. Instead, the secret lies in making sure that every day, you take a small step. Even the smallest action, when done consistently, has the power to transform your life.
Think of your goal like that block of marble. It’s massive, overwhelming, maybe even a little intimidating. The thought of sculpting it into a masterpiece might paralyze you. But if you commit to showing up every day, no matter how small the action, you’ll find that the stone starts to take shape. One chip today. One more tomorrow. And eventually, that block of marble—your goal—begins to resemble something meaningful.
Chiseling Every Day, Not Just in Bursts
There’s a temptation in our culture to go all-in when we finally feel motivated. We think, “I’m going to change everything today!” We hit the gym hard for three hours, we start twelve new habits at once, or we pull an all-nighter to launch a new project. It’s the mentality of all-or-nothing. But here’s the hard truth: the intensity of a single day is not what sculpts the masterpiece. It’s the daily commitment.
The difference between those who succeed in the long run and those who burn out is persistence, not intensity. Like Michelangelo, we need to show up, day in and day out, regardless of how much progress we think we’re making. Some days, the chips might fly off effortlessly, and the work feels almost easy. Other days, you’ll be tired, discouraged, and the chisel will feel heavy in your hand. On those days, making even the smallest dent is a victory. The commitment is not about perfection; it’s about progress.
The Compounding Effect of Consistency
Here’s the beautiful thing about making a little progress every day: it compounds. You may start with the smallest, most seemingly insignificant action—writing one paragraph, walking for ten minutes, saving a few dollars—but over time, those actions add up. Before you know it, the once intimidating block of marble is taking shape. You begin to see the outline of the figure emerging, the edges smoothing out, the details becoming clear. That’s the magic of persistence.
Michelangelo didn’t carve David in one glorious burst of inspiration. He worked on it steadily for four years, a little every day. And the masterpiece that resulted is a testament to the power of showing up. If he had tried to do it all in a few months or waited for the “right time” to make a heroic effort, who knows if the world would have ever seen David?
The same is true for your goals. If you show up consistently, progress—however small it might seem in the moment—becomes inevitable. Your masterpiece, whatever it is, will start to emerge.
Don’t Underestimate the Small Wins
It’s easy to overlook the small wins because they don’t feel like much. Maybe you didn’t write ten pages today; you only wrote one. Maybe you didn’t have time for a long workout; you just did a few push-ups. Those small actions, repeated day after day, build a foundation. They build a habit, and, more importantly, they build momentum. Each day, as you chip away at your goal, you are becoming the person capable of achieving it.
This is the attitude that transforms the impossible into the inevitable. When you make progress your daily mission, no matter how small, you give yourself the power to accomplish things that once seemed out of reach. You become like Michelangelo, chisel in hand, slowly and deliberately turning a raw block of marble into something extraordinary.
Make the Commitment
So, what’s the takeaway? It’s simple: commit to progress every single day. Don’t wait for the burst of inspiration. Don’t wait for the perfect moment when you have the time and energy for a grand effort. Instead, start today—right now—with one small action. Set your eyes on your masterpiece, and remember that every tiny chip you make, every small step you take, brings you closer to the impossible becoming possible.
Remember, it’s not about how fast you can sculpt; it’s about the commitment to keep showing up with your chisel every day. That’s how masterpieces are made.
