Episode 228

228 - From Dreamer to Doer

228 - From Dreamer to Doer

In today’s episode, I’m getting real about the trap of being a procrastinator and overthinker. I share how I spent years stuck in analysis, planning, and learning — but not actually changing anything. And most importantly, I talk about how I broke out of that cycle through small daily actions.

My Journey from Shelf-Help Scholar to Action Taker:
I open up about my old habit of endlessly gathering advice without doing anything with it — and the moment I realized dreaming wasn’t enough.

My Favorite Action Strategies:
I break down the simple techniques that helped me shift into action, like the Two-Minute Rule, habit stacking, friction reduction, and life scheduling.

Finding My Why:
I explain how connecting tasks to a bigger purpose (like my dream of hiking across Spain) kept me motivated even on the tough days.

How I Use the Five Second Rule:
I share how counting down from five helps me smash through hesitation and move toward my goals instantly.

Takeaways:
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not broken — you just need to move. I learned that action, not thinking, is what builds a better life. Even if all you do today is take one small step, you’re already winning. I hope you walk away from this episode with new energy, new hope, and a simple truth ringing in your ears: you already have everything you need to change your life. You just have to start.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/228-from-dreamer-to-doer/

Jill’s Links

https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJillday

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps (link corrected)

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.