The guy who’s in great shape didn’t get that way from just a few good workouts. The virtuoso didn’t become one due to a few great rehearsals. Progress and growth took place over hours and days and years. Taken individually, each rehearsal or workout may not have made a significant difference. But taken together, the cumulative effect was unmistakable.

The same principle applies to most things in life. Growth comes through persistence and grit—the willingness to show up and stick with something day after day after day. Whether it be building a business, nurturing a relationship, honing your craft: it all takes persistence. And although each step may not seem like much, a thousand small steps in the same direction can take you further than you might think.