[271] Why Small Steps, Presence, and Grace Matter More Than Perfection

Sometimes what we need most isn’t another routine hack or to-do list—it’s a reminder that we’re doing better than we think. In this short and simple episode, I’m sharing one powerful truth: progress doesn’t have to be a big, huge deal. Through three quick lessons, you’ll learn why small steps matter, why your presence is more powerful than perfection, and why grace beats guilt every time. This episode is a breath of fresh air for any mom who needs encouragement right where she is.

Mentioned in this episode:
👉🏽 Get Stuff Done Toolkit

3 Takeaways from this episode:

1. Small steps count—little actions add up to a life that matters.
2. Presence matters more than perfection—our kids remember connection, not spotless homes.
3. Grace over guilt—rest builds strength, guilt drains it.

Links and resources:

• Get Stuff Done Toolkit

Transcript

0:00

Hey there, it's Toni-Ann. Today's episode is gonna be a short and simple one, because sometimes that's what we need the most, not another to-do list or routine hack. Just a reminder, A reminder that we're doing better than we think. So if you're listening to this while you're folding laundry, driving carpool, or sneak in a moment for yourself, take a deep breath. This one is for you. There's one big message that I wanna share with you in three lessons. So the first lesson that I really want to share with you that is gonna support this is small steps count. Think about a river. It doesn't carve out valleys or smooth stones overnight. It happens drop by, drop steady over time. And the same is true for us. The little things you do, packing lunches, reading bedtime stories, showing up for work, making yet another snack, they all add up. Small steps create a life that matters. So don't discount the little things, they're shaping something that's powerful. Number two is that your presence matters more than perfection. Our kids aren't going to remember if the house was spotless or if every dinner was homemade. What they'll remember about us is laughing at the dinner table, being there for their stories and showing up even when we're tired. Perfection doesn't stick in their memories. Presence does. And the last thing is grace over guilt. Here's something I love from science. Muscles don't grow stronger while they're working out. They grow during rest. The pause is what makes them stronger. The same goes for us. Rest isn't weakness. It allows us to keep going. So instead of feeling guilty for what you didn't get done, give yourself some grace. That's how you build strength for the next step. So my challenge for you today is name one, small win. Maybe it's getting the kids to school on time. Maybe it's finally folding one little laundry. Or maybe it's just giving yourself five minutes of quiet in the middle of the chaos. Whatever it is, celebrate it. It counts. So as you head into the rest of your day, remember you don't have to do it all. You don't have to get it perfect. You just need to keep showing up one small step at a time. And you are more than enough. That's it for this episode. Take care, and with lots of love.