Sometimes, when we look at a massive goal or a life-changing dream, it feels like we are standing at the foot of a mountain that is simply too steep to climb. The sheer scale of what we want to achieve can be paralyzing, making us feel small and incapable. But the beautiful wisdom of Francis of Assisi reminds us that greatness isn't achieved through one giant leap, but through a series of small, intentional steps. It is about honoring the small, necessary tasks that lay right in front of us before we even worry about the summit.

In our everyday lives, this philosophy is a lifesaver when we feel overwhelmed by responsibilities. We often skip straight to worrying about the 'impossible' parts of our lives, like how we will ever manage a career change or how we will heal from a deep loss. By focusing only on the 'possible'—the tiny, manageable actions we can take today—the fog begins to clear. We start to realize that progress isn't about being superhuman; it is about being consistent with the basics.

I remember a time when I felt completely stuck, staring at a blank page and feeling like I had nothing meaningful to say. The idea of writing a beautiful essay felt impossible. Instead of trying to write a masterpiece, I told myself I just needed to write one single, honest sentence. That was my necessary task. Once that sentence was down, writing the next paragraph felt possible. Before I knew it, the words were flowing, and I had finished something I thought was beyond my reach. It was a small moment of magic that happened because I stopped looking at the mountain and started looking at my feet.

As you navigate your own journey, I want to encourage you to look at your biggest, scariest challenge and ask yourself: what is the very next necessary thing I can do? Don't worry about the finish line just yet. Just focus on the next small, doable step. If you keep showing up for the little things, you will eventually look up and realize you have accomplished something truly extraordinary. You are much more capable than you think.