Introduction

Have you ever felt unsure about where to start when tackling a time-consuming task? The bigger the goal, the harder it can be to take that first step. In such moments, the ancient Chinese saying "Begin with what's within reach" (Start with Wai) offers us valuable insights.

To briefly explain the origin of this phrase: during the Warring States period in ancient China, King Zhao of the Yan Kingdom sought to strengthen his country by recruiting talented individuals. However, despite his efforts, he struggled to attract the right people. Seeking a solution, he turned to the wise counselor Guo Wai for advice.

Guo Wai proposed the following idea:
"Once, there was a king who sought a legendary steed capable of traveling a thousand miles in a day. To demonstrate his commitment, he first purchased the bones of an ordinary horse at a high price. This sent a message to everyone that the king was serious about finding the steed. As a result, people trusted him, and soon, excellent horses were brought to him. Similarly, if you treat me as an esteemed sage, others will see your sincerity and follow."

King Zhao accepted Guo Wai's advice and treated him with great respect. As a result, many wise individuals were drawn to the Yan Kingdom, ultimately enhancing its strength and prosperity.

This story teaches us the importance of starting with what is within reach and taking actionable steps to achieve even the most ambitious goals. This principle remains highly relevant in modern business and daily life.

Small Steps Lead to Big Achievements

In the business world, the bigger the goal, the harder it can be to figure out where to start. Whether it's launching a new project or tackling a time-consuming task, the sheer scale of the objective can feel overwhelming. This is where the principle of "Begin with what's within reach" becomes the key to success: start with small, actionable steps.

For example:

• Clearing Your Mind at the Start of a Busy Day
  Even if you know your day will be packed, take a moment to calmly begin with simple actions, like organizing your emails or setting priorities for your tasks. This helps you gain clarity and sets a productive tone for the day.

• Preparing for an Important Meeting
  Imagine you need to create a detailed presentation for tomorrow's meeting, requiring data collection, image sourcing, and more. Instead of rushing through everything at once, start with a basic outline. Jotting down key points in bullet form is a manageable first step that creates a solid foundation for the rest.

As these examples illustrate, the first step doesn't have to be daunting. By identifying and completing small, manageable actions, you set the stage for momentum to build, ultimately leading to significant progress and success.

Find Your "Wai": Identifying the First Step to Success

For a successful business professional, one of the most critical skills is identifying which task or action serves as your "Wai"—the first small step that sets everything else in motion.

As shown in the previous examples, finding and acting on that initial step can unlock the path to future achievements. Here's how you can find your "Wai" and get started:

1. Clarify Your Goal

Start by defining your ultimate objective in clear terms. If the goal feels too vague, make it more concrete by specifying the desired outcome and setting a deadline. This helps you understand the direction you need to take.

Example:

If your aim is to launch a new project, clarify it as: "Complete the project plan by [specific date]."

2. Break the Goal into Smaller Tasks

Divide your large goal into smaller, actionable tasks. The more specific and manageable each task is, the easier it will be to take action.

Examples:

To prepare meeting materials: Break it into steps such as "Collect necessary data," "Prepare the slide template," and "Summarize key points in bullet form."
To improve team relationships: Start with "Express daily gratitude to one colleague."

3. Choose the Easiest Step First

From your list of smaller tasks, pick the one that feels easiest to start with. By prioritizing low-barrier tasks, you can gain a sense of accomplishment and build momentum.

Examples:

Spend just five minutes tidying your desk.
Create just one slide for the upcoming presentation.

4. Visualize Future Outcomes

Take a moment to imagine how your small action connects to the larger goal. When you can clearly see how each step contributes to your ultimate success, it becomes easier to stay motivated.

Examples:

Drafting an outline for your presentation clarifies the structure, making the rest of the slide creation process much smoother.
By identifying your "Wai"—that first actionable step—and taking it, you can steadily move closer to even the most ambitious goals. One small step at a time can lead to transformative progress.

Conclusion

The phrase "Begin with what's within reach" reminds us of the importance of taking action, no matter how small the step may seem. In the business world, consistently completing small tasks and actions can build momentum, ultimately leading to significant achievements and success. Let’s cherish each step and move forward with confidence.