Associate Certified Coach ICF

The essence of every success lies in taking decisive steps.

Planning is essential, but it is action that transforms an idea into tangible reality. Too often, we wait for the “perfect moment,” forgetting that perfection does not exist. Often, the best time to start is now, with small steps.

Psychology and neuroscience demonstrate that action is the true engine of change. James Clear, in his bestseller "Atomic Habits," explains how change occurs not through huge revolutions, but through small actions repeated daily. The key concept is the compounding effect: consistent small improvements lead to significant results over time.

Another scientific principle comes from Albert Bandura's theory of self-efficacy: acting increases our sense of capability, which strengthens our confidence, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and success.

Effective Goals: The Science-Based Checklist

To transform a simple idea into a solid reality, it is crucial to set clear and structured goals. Here are key characteristics that effective goals should possess:

• Positive – Focus on what you want to achieve, not on what you want to escape from. For example, instead of saying “I want to stop being dissatisfied with my job,” it’s better to say “I want to find a job that motivates and values me.”

• Ecological – It must fit into our life and context. A goal that conflicts with other important aspects of our existence becomes unsustainable.

• Empowering – Goals should depend as much as possible on ourselves. As Carol Dweck illustrates in her book “Mindset,” having a growth mindset means believing in one’s potential for improvement, rather than waiting for external factors to change. For instance, instead of feeling limited by circumstances, one might focus on developing new skills to advance.

• Specific and Measurable – A vague goal generates confusion. According to Locke and Latham's goal-setting theory, setting precise and measurable targets improves performance because it provides a clear sense of direction. For example, instead of saying “I want to be more performant,” say “I want to run 5 km in 30 minutes within three months.”

• Motivating and Stimulating – If a goal does not excite us, it is difficult to achieve it. Daniel Pink, in "Drive," explains that human motivation is based on three elements: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. A goal that allows us to express these components is much more effective.

• Realistic and Achievable – A goal must challenge but not be unrealistic. According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, an optimal level of difficulty keeps motivation high, while goals that are too easy or impossible lead to boredom or frustration.

• Time-Bound – Without a clear deadline, procrastination takes over. The SMART method emphasizes the importance of giving a specific timeframe to goals to increase the likelihood of achieving them.

From Idea to Action: The First Step is Now

There is no need to wait for perfect conditions. Take a goal, break it down into small steps, and act immediately. Even a small action today can create a big impact tomorrow.

Success is not an event, but a series of daily decisions.


Daniele Martino
Associate Certified Coach ICF