The Power of a 1% Action Step
I went for a walk recently on one of my favorite paths. Other walkers, runners, and bikers were out, and the crisp early morning air made it feel like a sweet little secret we were all in on.
It wasn't a long walk, but it was long enough to feel like a beautiful and grounding start to the day.
I've learned again and again that being in nature and moving my body help me feel better. And during seasons of uncertainty or stress, doing what I can to feel grounded and at home in my body becomes even more important. It doesn't eliminate what's difficult, but it helps support a calmer mind and a greater sense of steadiness.
Lately, I've found myself inviting friends and colleagues to meet for walks instead of coffee or dinner.
Last week, I met up with a former colleague for a walk in the woods. A few days later, I met another friend in her neighborhood, where the fall colors were putting on a show. And one evening, a friend and I met on a trail halfway between our homes.
None of these choices were dramatic. They weren't big life changes.
They were 1% action steps.
What Does a 1% Action Step Look Like?
When we think about change, it's easy to imagine that we need to do something big or overhaul our lives overnight.
But often, meaningful change happens differently.
It happens through small choices that are easy enough to begin and meaningful enough to matter.
A 1% action step is something that:
Supports your well-being
Fits into your life as it is right now
Builds on what you already enjoy
Helps you move toward what matters most
For me, suggesting a walk instead of meeting over coffee checked all those boxes. I enjoy being outside. I value connection. Walking helps me feel grounded and clear-headed.
And all it required was asking:
"How about a walk?"
Start Now. Start Where You Are.
If you're navigating a transition, feeling overwhelmed, or trying to create positive change in your life, you don't need to have everything figured out.
You don't need the perfect plan.
And you don't need to wait until things calm down or life becomes less busy.
Instead, ask yourself:
What's one small step that would support me right now?
Think small. Really small.
Maybe it's taking a walk.
Maybe it's closing your laptop fifteen minutes earlier.
Maybe it's texting a friend you've been meaning to reconnect with.
Maybe it's putting your phone in another room before bed.
Maybe it's scheduling the doctor's appointment you've been putting off.
The goal isn't perfection.
It's simply to begin.
Because lasting change rarely happens all at once. More often, it takes root through small, intentional choices—one 1% action step at a time.
Reflection: When you think about what you're navigating right now, what's one small step you could take to support yourself over the next week?
About the Author
Eloise Russo is a Positive Psychology Coach and Executive Coach based in Washington, DC. Through coaching, restorative practices, and evidence-based tools, she helps thoughtful, purpose-driven leaders navigate meaningful shifts in life and leadership. Learn more about executive coaching, life coaching, and Renewal Circle at eloiserusso.com.
Categories: Positive Psychology • Executive Coaching • Life Transitions • Burnout Recovery • Sustainable Leadership • Washington DC