What does real success look like? Why focus on making changes one step at a time? And how can you make changes that actually last? Well, in this final episode I’ll talk you through how to create your own definition of success (and why you should). So, welcome to Episode 12 of the Change Your Life! podcast… your practical guide to creating a better life for yourself.
Episode Transcript
What does true success look like? Why focus on making changes one step at a time? And how can you make changes that actually last?
If you’re ready to start creating lasting change in order to create the life you want to live, then grab a seat and let’s talk about how to Change Your Life!
Hello and welcome to Episode 12 of the Change Your Life! podcast… your practical guide to creating a better life for yourself!
I’m Jeremy Godwin, I’m a writer, coach, and mental health counsellor, and I talk to clients about this type of stuff for a living (plus you might also be familiar with my other podcast, Let’s Talk About Mental Health, where I teach people how to improve their wellbeing each week). In this special 12-part series I’m sharing all the practical advice I possibly can about how to change your life for the better, based on quality research as well as all the stuff I’ve been learning along the way over the past few years where I’ve been making a lot of changes in my own life.
Last week I talked about how to deal with challenges and obstacles that might come your way as you’re working towards your goals, and in this final episode I’ll be talking you through how to achieve your goals, creating your own definition of success, and the power of continuous improvement.
Just a quick heads-up that you may notice I sound a bit wheezy and husky; I currently have bronchitis, so that’s a whole lot of fun, but the show must go on… so, please, just bear with me and my croaky voice!
So, let’s start today by talking about…
Creating your own definition of success
When we talk about what success ideally looks and feels like, it’s important to recognise that success is a deeply personal experience and there’s no one-size-fits-all definition. While society often equates success with material wealth, career achievements, or social status, true success goes way beyond these types of external factors. It’s about creating a life that resonates with you and which allows you to live authentically; it incorporates your values, brings you joy, and gives you a sense of fulfilment. It’s about the quiet moments where you feel content, the relationships that uplift you, and the sense of purpose that drives your actions. Success, in its truest form, is about living a life that feels right for you, rather than what other people might expect or admire.
In a broad sense, success can be thought of as the alignment between your actions and your core values. It’s when your life reflects the things that matter most to you. For one person, success might be about building a close-knit family; for another, it might be about making a difference in their community or mastering a craft. The key is that it feels meaningful to you and that it enhances your overall sense of well-being.
In a practical context, figuring out what success looks and feels like for you involves taking a bit of time to look within. It’s not always something that’s immediately clear, especially if you’ve been conditioned to chase after the traditional markers of success, like money or status.
To start with, it’s helpful to take a step back and ask yourself a few key questions: What brings you joy? What activities make you feel fulfilled and energised? Who are the people that matter most to you? What are the moments in your life when you’ve felt truly content?
When you reflect on these questions, you begin to uncover the elements that make up your version of success. For example, you might realise that you feel most successful when you’re spending quality time with your loved ones, or when you’re working on a project that challenges you in a meaningful way. And so success, then, isn’t just about the big achievements — it’s also about those small, everyday moments that bring you closer to a life that feels satisfying and true to who you are.
One simple and practical way to figure out what success looks and feels like for you is to create a journal specifically focused on your personal success. Start by making a note of the moments in your day that make you feel good about yourself; these could be anything from having a productive workday, to sharing a laugh with a friend. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you’ll begin to see more of what truly matters to you. This isn’t about creating a checklist of accomplishments; it’s about recognising what makes your life feel rich and meaningful to you.
Another approach is to imagine your ideal day. What does it look like? Who are you with? What are you doing? How do you feel? This is a simple exercise that can help you clarify your values and priorities, giving you a clearer picture of what true success might look and feel like for you (rather than just focusing on society’s very narrow and rigid definitions of success; I mean, I don’t know about you, but being in a shit-ton of debt so you can drive the latest high-end car feels like a nightmare to me, not something to aspire to!). Once you have your own personal vision of success clear in your mind, you can begin to make small and intentional changes in your life to align more closely with it. Ultimately, it’s about making choices that bring you closer to your vision, step by step.
Just bear in mind that your idea of success may evolve over time, and that’s perfectly OK. What’s important is that you stay connected to your values (which can and often do evolve) and that you continue to pursue the things that bring you joy and fulfilment. When you do this, you’re not just chasing success — you’re living it, every single day.
So now that leads to me to the next part of this topic…
Small steps, big progress
One of the things that often gets in the way of creating the change we want to is that it can feel overwhelming, and often that’s because we try to bite off more than we can chew and then we end up feeling overwhelmed. The concept of “small steps, big progress” is all about understanding that significant change often comes from taking consistent and manageable actions, rather than attempting to overhaul your entire life overnight. Can you go from spending every day on the couch to running a 5K in the space of a week? I mean, it’s not impossible… but it’s highly unlikely (and, honestly, I’m out of breath just thinking about it!). ‘Small steps, big progress’ is a simple principle that encourages patience, commitment, persistence, and faith in the process, as well as recognising that real and lasting success is built one step at a time; if you try to rush things, often you end up creating unstable foundations and your changes can eventually fall apart.
This idea ties in closely to the previous point about what success looks and feels like because it reinforces the notion that success isn’t about epic gestures or sudden transformations. Instead, it’s about aligning your daily actions with your deeper values and moving steadily towards a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you — one step at a time. By focusing on small, deliberate steps, you create a foundation for success that’s more sustainable and rooted in what truly matters to you.
Taking a “small steps, big progress” approach makes the process of change feel more achievable. Often, when we think about making significant changes in our lives — whether it’s improving our health, advancing in our careers, or fostering better relationships — the sheer size of the task can feel overwhelming. This overwhelm can lead to paralysis, where the challenge of not being able to achieve everything at once stops us from taking any action at all. But when you break down your goals into smaller and more manageable steps, it becomes easier to start moving forward. It’s that old saying, “There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time,” (not that I’m recommending or advocating eating elephants; please leave them be!). The point I’m making is that each small step might not seem like much on its own but, collectively, they add up to big progress over time.
On a practical level, applying the “small steps, big progress” philosophy begins with setting clear and realistic goals (which we discussed in Episode 7). Instead of aiming to completely change your life in a short period, focus on one or two areas where you’d like to see improvement and identify the small actions you can take to move closer to your vision of success. For example, if you want to improve your physical health, you might start by committing to a 10-minute walk each day rather than signing up for a marathon. If you’re looking to advance in your career then you could begin by dedicating 15 minutes a day to learning a new skill, or reaching out to a mentor for guidance.
So, once you’ve identified these small steps, the next crucial part is consistency. It’s not enough to take a step here or there — you need to build a habit of taking those small steps regularly. This is where the real power of this approach lies. Small, consistent actions lead to compound growth, where the results of your efforts multiply over time. The progress might be slow at first, but as you continue you’ll start to see more significant changes. For example, doing that 10-minute daily walk I suggested earlier might be a struggle at first, but the more you do it the more capable you’ll become and the easier it will be; that’s the compounding effect of repeat actions.
However, managing your expectations and impatience along the way is also essential. It’s perfectly natural to want quick results, especially in a world that often glorifies instant gratification. But true and meaningful progress requires time, effort, perseverance, and patience. To keep yourself motivated, it can be helpful to track your progress, no matter how small. Celebrate the small wins along the way, because each one is a step closer to your larger goal. That could be as simple as keeping a journal or even just a note on your phone where you write down your achievements week by week (or even more frequently!), or setting up a reward system for yourself when you hit certain milestones.
Another strategy to manage impatience is to shift your focus from the outcome to the process itself. Instead of constantly looking ahead to the end goal, focus on finding satisfaction in the daily actions you’re taking. When you concentrate your energy on the process, you’re much more likely to stay engaged… and less likely to become discouraged if progress seems slow. Remember that every small step you take is not just moving you closer to your goal; it’s also helping you build resilience, discipline, and confidence.
It’s also really important to be kind to yourself throughout this journey. There will be days when you might not take a step forward at all, or when progress feels painfully slow. That’s OK. The beauty of the “small steps, big progress” approach is that it allows room for setbacks. What matters is that you keep going, even if it’s just one small step at a time. If you drop the ball today, pick it back up again tomorrow and keep on going. After all, in the words of that great philosopher from the late 1980’s — Yazz — “the only way is up!”
In the end, “small steps, big progress” is about trusting that the little things you do every day are leading you towards the life you want to live. It’s about recognising that success is not a race, but a journey that unfolds at its own pace. By focusing on small, consistent actions, you’re building a life that’s not only successful by your own definition but also sustainable and deeply fulfilling.
So, how do you do all of that? Well that’s a great question that I’m about to answer, but first let’s take a quick break to hear from the brands that help me create this show each week.
AD BREAK [does not play on Premium]
And welcome back! Now let’s talk about…
How to achieve your goals
And so, even though we’ve been talking about this stuff basically throughout all of the episodes of this podcast, I want to reinforce a few suggestions that I think are the most straightforward and effective ones you can devote your energy to, starting with…
Take action every single day — now, I talked about small steps earlier but now I want to discuss the importance of taking consistent action every day… no matter how small. Progress is built on daily effort, and even the smallest actions, when taken regularly, can compound over time to create significant change. This helps to keep your momentum going and it makes the process of achieving your goals feel more manageable and tangible. Set aside time each day to work on a specific task related to your goal. Whether it’s ten minutes or an hour, the key here is consistency. For example, if your goal is to write a book, commit to writing just one page a day; if you can do more on a given day then great, but the small and simple commitment of writing one page is still progress in and of itself. Over time, those pages will add up, and you’ll find yourself moving steadily towards your goal.
Next, review your action plan regularly — it’s absolutely essential to keep your action plan flexible and open to adjustment. Regularly reviewing your plan helps you stay on track and it ensures that your actions remain aligned with your overall goals. It allows you to identify what’s working and what isn’t, making it easier to make necessary changes before small issues become significant setbacks. Set aside time each week or month to review your progress; look at what you’ve accomplished, what challenges you’ve faced, and whether your current approach is still the best way forward. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak your plan or try a different approach. Remember, flexibility is key to maintaining momentum towards your goals.
Next, break big goals down into smaller tasks — also known as ‘stop trying to boil the ocean’! Large goals can often feel really overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to start or how to stay on track. By breaking down big goals into smaller and more manageable goals (that add up to your bigger goal), you can make the process feel much less daunting and far more achievable. Smaller tasks are easier to tackle and they provide a clear sense of direction, helping you to build confidence as you complete each one. Simply take your main goal and divide it into smaller steps, each with its own deadline. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon then start by setting smaller milestones like running 5 kilometres, then 10, and gradually increasing the distance over a realistic timeframe. Each goal you complete will then bring you closer to your ultimate goal.
Next, celebrate your progress — and I cannot emphasise enough just how much celebrating your progress, no matter how small, is vital for staying motivated and maintaining a positive mindset as you work towards changing your life. It’s easy to get caught up in what you haven’t done yet, but recognising what you have achieved keeps you focused on the progress you’re making and it reinforces your commitment to your goals, providing a psychological boost that makes it easier to keep going. You can do this by acknowledging your accomplishments at regular intervals — whether it’s treating yourself to something special after hitting a specific milestone, or simply taking a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrating your wins keeps your journey enjoyable and it leads to more sustainable outcomes.
Next, stay accountable — because accountability is a powerful motivator when working towards your goals. Sharing your goals with someone you trust or joining a group of like-minded individuals can provide the encouragement and support you need to stay on track; alternatively you could try working with a coach if that’s an option for you. Whatever approach you take, you’ll find it creates a greater sense of responsibility — not just to yourself, but to other people who are aware of your goals. Try finding an accountability partner, joining a community, or even sharing your progress on social media. Regular check-ins with someone who can offer feedback and encouragement will help you stay focused and committed, even when the going gets tough.
And next, be kind to yourself — because change takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way (especially since not everything is within your direct control). Being kind to yourself means recognising that progress isn’t always linear, and it’s OK to stumble as long as you pick yourself back up. This helps prevent burnout and it serves to keep you motivated over the long term. Actively practice self-compassion, and remind yourself that every effort counts… even if it doesn’t lead to immediate success. Treat yourself with the same patience and understanding that you’d (hopefully!) offer a friend who’s working towards a big goal. Adopting this type of mindset will help you stay resilient and focused, no matter what challenges arise.
And, then, one of the absolute most important things to focus on is…
The power of continuous improvement
And I’ve broken this out into its own little topic here because there’s a lot to say about it and why it matters so much.
Continuous improvement is a principle that underpins sustainable change in every aspect of your life. At its core, it’s the idea that no matter where you are on your journey, there’s always room to grow, to learn, and to become better (while, at the same time, celebrating where you’re at now and the progress you’ve already made). It’s about recognising that change is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, where each day presents an opportunity to refine your actions, deepen your understanding, and enhance your quality of life.
In the context of changing your life, continuous improvement plays a crucial role because it encourages you to adopt a mindset that’s open to learning and growth. When you’re working to make lasting changes — whether that’s in your career, relationships, health, personal development, etc. — it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that once you’ve achieved a certain milestone, the work is done. But the truth is that life is dynamic and ever-changing, and so too are the challenges and opportunities you’ll encounter; what works for you today may not necessarily be the right solution for tomorrow, depending on a whole range of internal and external factors (I mean, I know that I’m in a very different place now than I was 10 or 15 years ago, and so my ideas about what success looks and feels like have absolutely had to evolve over time). By learning to embrace continuous improvement, you’re better equipped to adapt to these changes and to keep moving forward… even when the initial excitement of your goals may have faded!
This principle ties back to what I said earlier about success and small steps. Success is a personal and evolving concept, and small and consistent actions lead to significant progress over time; continuous improvement is what keeps that progress alive. It’s the practice of regularly evaluating where you are, recognising what’s working and what isn’t, and making adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your values and goals. It’s about staying curious and committed to your own growth, even after you’ve reached certain milestones.
Continuous improvement ensures that the changes you make are not just temporary, but lasting. Without this mindset, it’s easy to slip back into old habits once you’ve achieved a goal, or to become complacent after making some progress. Continuous improvement keeps you moving forward, pushing you to seek out new challenges, explore different perspectives, and strive for greater levels of fulfilment. It’s about building a life that’s not just good enough, but truly satisfying in a deep and meaningful way.
So, how do you incorporate continuous improvement into your life? Really, it starts with cultivating a growth mindset. That means choosing to believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work (which they can!). With a growth mindset, you view challenges as opportunities to learn… rather than as obstacles to be avoided. You’re more likely to take on tasks that stretch your abilities, and you’re less discouraged by setbacks because you see them as being part of the learning process (which they most definitely are!).
One practical way to implement continuous improvement is through regular reflection. Set aside time on a weekly or monthly basis to review your progress towards your goals. Ask yourself questions like: What’s been working well? What challenges have I encountered? What can I do differently to improve? This reflection doesn’t need to be lengthy or complicated — sometimes, even just a few minutes of honest self-assessment can provide valuable insights. The key here is to be consistent with this reflection practice, so you’re continually adjusting your course as needed. I have a simple digital daily reflection tool available from my store, as well as an optional video Masterclass that will help you get the most out of your daily reflection practice; head to itsjeremygodwin.com and then choose ‘Store’ from the Menu.
Another effective approach is to embrace the idea of lifelong learning, because learning ideally shouldn’t stop when you leave school or university. That could mean pursuing formal education, like taking courses or earning new certifications, but it’s also just as valuable to engage in self-directed learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops and seminars, or seek out new experiences that broaden your horizons. The more you learn, the more tools you’ll have at your disposal to navigate the changes in your life and to continue growing as a person.
Continuous improvement also involves being open to constructive feedback, both from yourself and others. It’s important to regularly check in with yourself and be honest about what’s working and what isn’t. But external feedback can be equally valuable, whether it comes from a mentor, a colleague, or even a friend. Sometimes, other people can see things that you might miss, offering a fresh perspective that can help you refine your approach.
It’s also important to approach continuous improvement with a sense of balance (which is also good advice for your mental health and for life in general!). While it’s great to strive for betterment, it’s also essential to recognise and appreciate the progress you’ve already made. This type of balance helps prevent burnout and keeps your efforts sustainable over the long term. Continuous improvement isn’t about never being satisfied; it’s about being proud of how far you’ve come, while also staying excited about where you can go next.
Continuous improvement is the lifeblood of lasting change. It’s what ensures that the progress you make is not just a ‘flash in the pan’, but a steady and ongoing journey towards a more fulfilling life. By cultivating a growth mindset, engaging in regular reflection, seeking out learning opportunities, and having a fair and balanced approach to your journey, you can keep the momentum going, no matter where you are on your path. And, by doing so, that means you’re not just changing your life — you’re continuously evolving into the best version of yourself, one step at a time.
Summary & Conclusion
So, the main thing I’d like to leave you with today is this:
As we wrap up this journey together of learning how to change your life, it’s important to remember that the power to shape your life is truly in your hands. We’ve explored so much over these past 12 episodes, and these aren’t just ideas — they’re the tools you’ll use to create a life that feels genuinely fulfilling and aligned with who you are. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience, persistence, and a commitment to your personal growth, you can make lasting progress that transforms your experience in ways you might never have imagined.
So, as you move forward from this series, remember that there’s always more to discover, more to learn, and more ways to grow. But you’ve already taken the most important step — you’ve committed to changing your life. Now, keep going. Embrace the journey with an open heart and a determined mind, and trust that with every step you take, you’re moving closer to the life you’ve always dreamed of. Your journey has only just begun, and the best is yet to come.
You’ve got this!
So, by way of closing out, each week I like to share a quote that’s relevant to the subject; this one about success is by an unknown author, and it is: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
Alright… that’s it for this episode and for this podcast! Thank you so much for tuning in week after week and I truly hope it’s been helpful for changing your life. Keep an eye out for the Change Your Life! book coming out soon, which will include all the key learnings from this podcast plus additional content; you can sign up to my mailing list at itsjeremygodwin.com or follow me on Instagram @itsjeremygodwin for news and updates.
Don’t forget you can catch my other podcast Let’s Talk About Mental Health every week, which is all about making better mental health simple; head to ltamh.com for more information.
Thank you very much for joining me today and throughout this limited series! Have an absolutely fantastic day, night, whatever it is when you’re listening, and I’ll talk to you sometime. Take care!
Change Your Life! is an independent program proudly produced by Reconnaissance Media. For more information, visit reconnaissancemedia.com
Jeremy Godwin 