Step 6 – Act Methodically
Take Baby Steps
Why "baby steps?"
A baby step is a concrete action that you can apply even today without disrupting your daily life. It is often small actions, when done every day, that bring you closer to your goal.
Be sure to define your baby steps as precisely as possible.
It's Your Turn
Ready to take action? Go back to your goal and define your next seven baby steps for the next seven days. It will be your first cycle.
Once you finish this first cycle, define seven new small steps until you reach your goal.
I suggest you set at least one baby step to complete every day, but you can do more.
However, avoid actions that are too ambitious, as they could discourage you.
Take Inspiration From Role Models
Another technique, "act as if" actions, consists of putting yourself in the shoes of someone who has already met the goal you want to achieve. You can mimic their attitudes, reflexes, and habits.
It's Your Turn
Identify three people who typify the goal that you set for yourself. In our example, find inspiration from organized people. How do they behave daily? What habits have they established? Of course, you won't be able to replicate everything immediately. And that's not the point. The goal is to be inspired to act by watching them. It will also motivate you to take baby steps.
The more "act as if" actions you take with small steps, the more you'll move towards achieving your goal!
Step 7 – Rely on the Buddy System
To strengthen the six steps of this method, we recommend that you use the buddy system.
Choose a trusted person who will be your "coach" and with whom you will discuss your progress. This person can be a loved one, a friend, or someone you discuss your baby steps. The person can motivate you to stick to it.
They can also help you change your negative parasitic thoughts. Checking in with this person regularly (at least once every two weeks) can be a baby step.
Let's Recap!
In this chapter, you learned about several techniques to take action:
The baby steps technique consists of identifying small steps to take each day for at least seven days.
"Act as if" actions consist of putting yourself in the shoes of a person who has achieved your goal. It helps you replicate the attitudes, behaviors, and actions that bring you closer to this ideal.
The buddy system builds on collective strength. It involves identifying someone who can support and coach you throughout your skill-building.
Congratulations, you have finished the course! You are now ready to develop your soft skills. Feel free to go to the other OpenClassrooms courses dedicated to soft skills to continue your development by targeting the soft skills that will best help you achieve your goals. And don't forget: this is a lifelong process. By having taken this course, you've given yourself the keys to cultivating this continuous learning process. Continue on this path!
