One Step at a Time

It’s amazing how many professionals in my network have been bringing up The Tortoise and the Hare lately. I think it’s because we’re all running so hard and fast forward that we find ourselves craving success through slow, steady progress. There’s a growing realization that being the Hare- constantly sprinting- isn’t sustainable for our well-being long-term. We’re starting to appreciate that maybe the Tortoise had it right all along.

Quick Recap: The Tortoise and the Hare

For those who don’t know the story (or need a refresher), it’s an old fable credited to Aesop. The Hare, cocky and fast, challenges the Tortoise to a race. The Hare zooms ahead but gets so overconfident that he takes a nap in the middle of the race. Meanwhile, the Tortoise just keeps going, step by step, and ultimately crosses the finish line first. The moral? “Slow and steady wins the race.”

It’s funny because I’ve been thinking about that message a lot lately, especially after finding a real-life tortoise in my yard while seeking out some slow-down, reset time for myself. No coincidence that it inspired this blog.

The Real-Life Tortoise in My Yard

Being outside in my yard, surrounded by nature, is one of the things that instantly slows me down. I find myself breathing more deeply. I’m often barefoot, literally getting grounded. And earlier today, I saw this little tortoise, about the size of a potato, just trucking along toward a big branch that had fallen in the yard. And of course, I had to step in- I thought I’d help the little guy out.

So, I picked him up and moved him over the branch about 20 feet forward and put him back down in the same direction he’d been travelling. I felt great about saving that little guy so much effort to meander around the big branch. But afterward, I paused and thought, “Did that actually completely freak this little tortoise out?” No tortoises were harmed in my act of helpfulness (just to be clear). But it remains to be seen how confusing and perplexing that instant leap forward might have been for him.

This made me think about how often we leap forward in our own lives- whether it’s well-meaning help from others or our own ambition- and how disorienting it can be. Maybe, like that tortoise intended to before my well-meaning interruption, we need to follow our own pace and let the journey unfold, rather than rushing through. The daily ups and downs, the slow grind- that’s where real progress happens.

The Value of Micro-Wins

Micro-wins are something I’ve been hyper-focused on lately. Week by week, I’m always hungry for more- wanting those bigger, flashier leaps. But when I stop and look back month by month, I realize just how much we’ve built, step by step.

I couldn’t be prouder of what my team and I have accomplished. We’ve created an incredible new curriculum that’s fresh, timely, and relevant. We’re still getting the message out (thank you for being here, blog readers!), but every small win has added up to something bigger. It’s easy to get caught up in the need for quick wins, but honestly, slow and steady has proven to be the real game-changer.

OK, Let’s Play

So why not get a little playful? If you’ve ever felt like you’re rushing through your work and missing out on the small moments, it’s time to shift your approach and play with the idea of slowing down. Here’s how we can start:

Ready: Accept that slow, steady progress builds something greater over time.

Set: Commit to finding your own micro-wins and celebrating them, no matter how small they seem.

Go:

• List three wins you’ve achieved this week, even if they feel minor.
• Set one goal for the next week that’s focused on consistency, not speed.
• Acknowledge one area where you’ve been in “hare mode” and commit to slowing down.
• Reflect on a past success that took time to build and appreciate the journey it required.

Steady Steps > Leaps Forward

Life will offer sudden leaps forward, but the real magic is in the steady steps we take daily. By focusing on those smaller, consistent wins, we’re building a foundation that can sustain us for the long haul. It’s about embracing the journey, trusting the process, and understanding that slow and steady is what wins the race in both work and life.

---


Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!