In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly told to chase big milestones—whether it’s hitting six figures in business, landing a dream job, or achieving a major life goal. But what if I told you that focusing on milestones might actually be holding you back? In this episode of INHABIT, I sat down with HR strategist and career coach Brie Johnson to explore a game-changing concept: inchstones. These small, incremental wins are the real key to long-term success, and they can transform how you approach both life and business.

Brie’s perspective, shaped by her experience as a parent of a child with a rare genetic condition, challenges the traditional narrative of success. Instead of waiting for big, flashy milestones, she encourages us to celebrate the small, meaningful steps that lead to sustainable growth. In this blog post, I’ll share the highlights of our conversation, actionable takeaways, and why inchstones might just be the mindset shift you need to succeed.

Why Milestones Can Be Overwhelming

We’ve all been there—setting a massive goal and feeling paralyzed by the sheer size of it. Whether it’s launching a business, writing a book, or scaling your team, the pressure to achieve can feel insurmountable. Brie shared how this mindset often leads to burnout and frustration, especially for entrepreneurs and parents juggling multiple responsibilities.

Instead of focusing on the end goal, Brie suggests breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps—or inchstones. These are the tiny wins that build momentum and keep you moving forward. As she put it, “It’s very easy to focus on what isn’t happening, but when you celebrate progress, you open yourself up to trying new things and seeing what’s possible.”

The Power of Inchstones

Brie’s concept of inchstones comes from her personal life. As the parent of a child with a rare genetic condition, she learned to celebrate small victories—like her son standing for five seconds or taking his first steps at age four. These moments, though seemingly small, were monumental in their own way.

This mindset applies to business and personal growth as well. Instead of waiting for the “big win,” focus on the progress you’re making every day. Here’s why inchstones matter:

• They build momentum: Small wins create a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to keep going.
• They reduce overwhelm: Breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them feel more achievable.
• They foster resilience: Celebrating progress helps you stay positive, even when the journey is long.
• They encourage reflection: Inchstones allow you to pause, evaluate, and adjust your approach as needed.

“It’s very easy to focus on what isn’t happening, but when you celebrate progress, you open yourself up to trying new things and seeing what’s possible.” – Brie Johnson

How to Incorporate Inchstones Into Your Life

If you’re ready to shift your mindset and start celebrating inchstones, here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Break Down Your Goals
   Take a big goal and divide it into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if you’re writing a book, focus on completing one chapter at a time instead of the entire manuscript.
2. Track Your Progress
   Use a planner, journal, or app to document your inchstones. Brie shared how she uses a weekly planner to track her personal and professional goals, tearing off the page at the end of the week to let go of unfinished tasks.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
   Don’t wait for the big milestone to celebrate. Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. As Brie said, “It’s about progress, not perfection.”
4. Reframe Your Mindset
   Shift your focus from what you haven’t achieved to what you have. This simple change can make a huge difference in your motivation and outlook.
5. Involve Others
   Share your inchstones with a supportive community, whether it’s your family, team, or mastermind group. Brie’s six-year-old son celebrated her progress in Taekwondo, reminding her of the power of encouragement.

“You don’t have to do it all at once. Focus on what moves the needle and let go of the rest.” – Brie Johnson

Why This Mindset Shift Matters

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone striving for personal growth, the concept of inchstones can transform how you approach your goals. By focusing on small, meaningful steps, you’ll not only reduce overwhelm but also build the momentum needed for long-term success.

So, the next time you feel stuck or discouraged, ask yourself: What’s one small step I can take today? Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

Listen to the Episode

You can listen to the Episode 186 on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about your inchstones! Share your small wins with me on Instagram @alessiacitro__, and let’s celebrate together. And if you’re ready to take your business or personal growth to the next level, check out Brie Johnson’s Better HR Blueprint for actionable strategies to build a thriving team and business. You can connect with Brie on Instagram and LinkedIn.

PS: This blog post was generated by AI. Want to learn how I do this in 5 minutes or less? I teach this and more in The Audio Authority Blueprint Podcast [Systems Only] program. Click here to learn more.