Starting Small: The Power of One Step

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10

My biggest pair of dress slacks didn’t fit. I wanted to look nice for church that Sunday instead of wearing the usual t-shirt and jeans, but I had become too large and no longer had nice clothes that fit. The next morning, I got up earlier than usual, went downstairs to the dusty workout area, and got on the exercise bike. It wasn’t much, and I felt discouraged that I only lasted 5 minutes, but it was a start. Although I wasn’t exercising for very long periods at the beginning, I did gradually increase my time, and the weight slowly but surely started to drop off. I still have the slacks, but now they are in the donate pile because they are too large.

That one decision to move my body for five minutes led to the first step of change. It didn’t feel like a victory at the time, but it was. Too often we think progress has to look big right away—an hour-long workout, a complete diet overhaul, a brand-new routine—but that’s not how real change starts. Change is built on small, repeated choices.

Small Steps in Fitness

In fitness, those steps can look as simple as:

• A 10-minute walk after dinner.
• Adding one vegetable to your plate.
• Doing stretches during TV commercials.

For me, it looked like short workouts on the bike, cutting back on junk food (especially at work), and drinking more water instead of coffee. Those choices didn’t change everything overnight. But one day turned into a week, and a week turned into a month. The strength I built didn’t just show up on the scale—it showed up in my energy, my mindset, and my confidence. Progress is made one rep, one choice, one step at a time.

Small Steps in Faith

The same is true in faith. We sometimes think growth has to mean long prayers, deep study, or huge acts of service. But faith is built in the small, everyday moments too. It is in remembering that we can have an ongoing conversation with God through prayer. It is in choosing to act in love, or at least hold our tongue when everything in us wants to lash out in anger at someone. It is in taking time to get into the Word on a daily basis, whether that is one verse, or several chapters. It is in finding a place to serve in our church, whether it be behind the scenes or in front of the congregation. Those steps may seem insignificant, but Zechariah reminds us that God rejoices when we simply begin. Faith, like fitness, grows through daily consistency, not one-time efforts.

Why Small Beginnings Matter

Starting small matters because it’s sustainable. Psychologically, little goals are achievable, and every win builds momentum. Spiritually, God values faithfulness more than scale. He’s not looking for the biggest act—He’s looking for steady obedience. Remember Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He delights in our faithfulness, no matter the size.

My Own Small Beginnings

My journey in the fitness industry began with small steps too. Years ago, I passed my personal trainer exam, but I wasn’t in a financial position to pay for the certification. That was discouraging. But instead of quitting, I kept studying. I collected information on different types of exercise and focused on learning how to refine form to optimize results and reduce risks. Later, I started taking business classes to better understand how to use what I was learning. Eventually, I retook my tests, earned my certifications, and launched Girded with Strength Fitness.

I don’t have hundreds of clients yet. I don’t have a massive following. But I have a start—and that’s enough. Each small step has built toward something bigger, even when I couldn’t see it in the moment. Looking back, I realize God was teaching me that He honors obedience in the small things.

Your Turn to Start

Don’t wait for the perfect day, perfect plan, or perfect motivation. Start with what you have today. Swap one sugary drink for water. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier. Read one Psalm before bed. Stretch for 5 minutes while listening to worship music. These are small, but they’re powerful when you commit to them.

Call to Action

What’s your one small step? Pick something this week. Share it in the comments, or tag me on social media when you post your “small step” win. You never know who else might be encouraged by your beginning.

Closing

Zechariah 4:10 reminds us that God rejoices in our small beginnings. He doesn’t need perfection—He delights in progress. So take the first step, however small it feels, and trust Him to multiply it.