The Power of One Right Action: How Small Choices Create a Life You're Proud Of

Turner Powers
Mar 3
5 min read

Updated: Apr 7

When I was in the thick of post-partum depression and active alcohol abuse, I knew where I needed to go in life and within myself, but the mountain ahead felt impossible to climb. The thought of all the things I had to do to get better left me paralyzed with fear and doubt. It was overwhelming.

Then, I found my way into a 12-step program, and I was introduced to the powerful mantra of "one day at a time" and "step by step." These simple phrases became my guiding light, not just in recovery, but in every area of my life. Instead of focusing on the entire staircase ahead, I began focusing solely on the next step.

And let me tell you, that shift in mindset changed everything. By breaking down the overwhelming journey into manageable, bite-sized steps, I was able to rebuild my life—one small, intentional action at a time. Today, my entire life has turned around. The mountain that once felt insurmountable is now something I climb with confidence, one step at a time.

We often think of success, happiness, and fulfillment as grand achievements. A big breakthrough. A major transformation. But in reality, those big wins are built on the foundation of small, daily actions—each one seemingly insignificant on its own, but collectively powerful beyond measure.

It starts with one.

One small, intentional choice. Then another. And another. Over time, these choices compound into something extraordinary: a life you're proud of.

The Domino Effect of Right Actions

Every choice you make creates a ripple effect. It sets the tone for what comes next. When you wake up and choose to get out of bed instead of hitting snooze, you send a message to yourself: I am in control of my day.

When you make your bed, you create order. When you hydrate, you nourish your body. When you move, you energize yourself. Each choice builds momentum for the next one. And as you continue stacking these right actions, you build discipline, self-trust, and a sense of purpose.

Why Small Choices Matter More Than Big Decisions

Most people wait for motivation or a “perfect moment” to start making positive changes. But the truth is, transformation happens in the micro-moments. The tiny decisions we make every day shape our reality far more than the rare, massive ones.

Waking up early once won’t change your life. But doing it daily builds discipline.
One workout won’t make you fit. But consistency transforms your body and mind.
Reading one page won’t make you wise. But a habit of learning will expand your world.

Each action alone may seem small. But together, they define who you become.

Building a Life You’re Proud Of, One Step at a Time

A fulfilling life isn’t built overnight. It’s built one choice at a time. One action at a time. Here’s how you can start:

1. Start With the First Right Action of the Day

The first decision you make in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. That’s why successful people protect their mornings.

Get up when your alarm rings. No snooze button.
Make your bed to create a sense of order and accomplishment.
Drink water to rehydrate and wake up your body.
Move—stretch, do a quick workout, or go for a walk.
Take a moment for mindfulness—meditation, deep breathing, or gratitude.

Each one of these actions is simple. But they create momentum for everything that follows.

2. Make Momentum Your Superpower

Ever noticed how once you start being productive, it’s easier to keep going? That’s momentum. It’s a psychological force that makes the next right action easier.

But the opposite is also true. When you start your day with procrastination, distractions, or unhealthy habits, it’s harder to shift into productivity.

That’s why the first right action is so important—it sets the momentum for everything else.

3. Shift Your Mindset: Discipline Over Motivation

Motivation is unreliable. Some days you’ll feel like taking action. Other days, you won’t. The secret? Don’t rely on motivation. Rely on discipline.

Discipline means doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. And the easiest way to build discipline is by taking one small right action at a time. Each time you do, you strengthen the muscle of self-discipline.

4. Track Your Right Actions

Want to see how powerful this approach is? Start tracking your right actions.

Keep a habit tracker.
Write down your daily wins.
Reflect on how these small choices are shaping your progress.

Tracking helps you stay accountable and reminds you that even on days when you don’t feel like you’re making progress, you are—because every right action counts.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Most people only celebrate big achievements, but the secret to long-term success is celebrating small wins. Every right action is a step forward. Acknowledge it.

“I got up without hitting snooze—win!”
“I drank water instead of reaching for coffee first—win!”
“I moved my body even though I didn’t feel like it—win!”

Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and reinforces the habit of taking right actions.

One Day, You’ll Look Back and See the Life You Built

Right now, the small actions you take might not seem like much. But one day, you’ll look back and realize that every little choice mattered. Every right action added up. And together, they created the life you’re living.

A life of discipline. A life of growth. A life of purpose. A life you're proud of.

And it all started with one choice.

So, what’s your next right action?

turner

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📚 References:

Clear, James. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery, 2018.
- Clear explains how small changes compound to create significant results, reinforcing the power of daily choices.
Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House, 2006.
- Dweck’s research on the growth mindset highlights the power of believing in the incremental process of improvement.
Kernis, Michael H., and Brian M. Goldman. "Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being." In Handbook of Positive Psychology, edited by C. R. Snyder and Shane J. Lopez, Oxford University Press, 2002.
- This research underscores the role of self-esteem in making positive choices and building a healthy, fulfilling life.
Baumeister, Roy F., and John Tierney. Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Penguin Press, 2011.
- Baumeister’s work on willpower emphasizes how discipline and small daily choices shape our success and happiness.