One of the toughest parts of reaching a new goal isn’t effort or skill; it’s motivation.
The excitement of setting a bold goal can fade quickly once reality sets in. You start to consider everything it will take to get there, and suddenly feel paralyzed. The steps seem endless, the gap feels wide, and your brain defaults to a false starting point: zero.
But what if you weren’t starting from scratch?
What if you’re already partway there and just didn’t realize it?
You’re Often Further Ahead Than You Think
Too often, we underestimate the value of the habits, experience, and knowledge we’ve already built. This is especially true when we’re taking on something new or reaching for a higher level. Instead of measuring how far we’ve come, we fixate on how far we have to go.
The idea of shrinking the change invites us to shift that perspective. It comes from the book Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath. It’s about making change feel doable; not by making the goal smaller, but by making the starting point realistic and progress visible.
Shrinking the Change Isn’t About Lowering the Bar
It’s about:
- Recognizing what you’re already doing right
- Building from your strengths
- Creating a manageable path forward
This shift reduces overwhelm and fuels motivation. You no longer feel like you’re climbing a mountain; you’re finishing a hike you’ve already started.
Think About It Like a Scale of 1 to 10
If the end goal is “10,” your brain might assume you’re at “0.” But are you really? Take stock.
- What routines do you already have in place?
- What past experiences are relevant?
- What skills have you already developed?
You may discover you’re starting from a “4” or “6”. That simple mindset shift makes a huge difference. It narrows the gap and brings the goal within reach.
Shift the Focus, Not the Goal: Real-Life Examples
Here are a few scenarios that show how shrinking the change works in everyday life and leadership:
Goal: Work out consistently five times a week
Current Reality: You already work out consistently twice a week.
Reset: Instead of doing five, focus on adding three more. You’re not starting from zero, you’re building from success.
Goal: Eat healthy every day
Current Reality: You already eat three balanced, healthy meals daily.
Reset: Focus on making healthier snack choices. No need to overhaul your whole meal plan; you simply need to refine your snacks.
Goal: Speak up and add value at work
Current Reality: You already speak confidently with friends, your partner, or peers.
Reset: Begin transferring that skill to professional settings. Start by sharing an idea in the next meeting with senior leaders present. Build from what you already do naturally.
Why This Works (and Why It’s Often Overlooked)
The human brain tends to exaggerate what’s unfamiliar or uncertain. That’s why big changes can feel intimidating, even if we have a solid foundation. By shrinking the change, we activate a more optimistic and action-oriented mindset.
This approach works particularly well when:
- You’re building new habits
- You’re returning to something after a setback
- You’re leading change on a team or in your organization
Instead of motivating with pressure (“We have so far to go!”), you lead with progress (“Here’s what’s already working. Let’s build on it.”).
Apply It in Leadership and with Your Teams
Leaders can apply this mindset when guiding teams through change. If a team needs to shift behaviour or adopt a new process, avoid framing it as a total reinvention. Instead, start by recognizing what’s already working well and use that as a foundation for what comes next.
For example:
- Your team collaborates well in meetings, though they lack in follow-through to consistently meet deadlines. Instead of mandating a full culture reset, implement a simple accountability system: end-of-meeting action and track in the project tool you use.
- The team already delivers consistent, reliable customer service. To grow your customer base and increase retention, start with one or two high-impact behaviours like personalized follow-ups or asking for feedback after interactions – without changing the entire process.
These small, focused shifts can make change feel manageable and rooted in current strengths. By shrinking the change, you reduce resistance, build on existing strengths, and create forward momentum. This reinforces your team’s capability and confidence rather than focusing on what’s lacking.
Final Thought: You’re Already in Motion
Change doesn’t have to feel like a complete overhaul. More often, it’s about turning up the volume on what’s already working. Shrinking the change means recognizing you’re not starting from scratch, you’re building on everything that’s come before: the wins you’ve achieved, and the lessons learned along the way.
Small intentional steps can lead to meaningful results over time.
You don’t need to change everything. Simply change what is necessary.
You don’t need to start over. Continue building on what’s already in motion.
Recommended Read: “Switch” by Chip and Dan Heath – A practical and insightful look at what really drives change, both personally and organizationally.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?
At Authentic Leaders Edge, we help leaders like you develop an impactful leadership presence that establishes the value only you can offer. Whether you’re leading a team or refining your personal brand, Dorothy Lazovik provides tailored coaching to accelerate your growth.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how coaching can help you step into your full potential. Email today to get started!
