The Power of Small Steps—How Healthy Habits Create Big Wins

By Marques Ogden

Have you ever looked at someone successful and wondered, How do they do it all? I used to think success came from one massive breakthrough. But over the years—through the highs of the NFL and the lows of rebuilding my life after losing everything—I’ve learned a hard truth:

“We are what we repeatedly do.” — Aristotle.

In other words, success isn’t about doing big things once—it’s about doing small things consistently.

The Real Struggle Behind the Scenes

When I lost my business, I lost more than just money; I also lost my sense of purpose. I lost direction. I had no routine. I was inconsistent, and every day felt like starting over. Sound familiar?

You might be struggling with:

• A lack of structure.

• Not enough time.

• Constantly starting over because nothing sticks.

But here’s what changed everything for me: starting small.

Start with One Habit—And Win That Day

You don’t have to overhaul your whole life. Just pick one habit:

• Wake up 30 minutes earlier.

• Drink water before coffee.

• Write a to-do list every morning.

Then commit to that habit every single day for a week.

Key Takeaway: Success is built on consistent habits.

And when you feel like giving up—because life gets busy and motivation fades—remember this:

“Commitment is the foundation of achievement.”

Stay the Course with Support

I know distractions creep in. Willpower wanes. That’s why I always say:

You need someone in your corner.

Find an accountability partner. Someone who checks in, encourages you, and calls you out when you slack. That support can be the difference between giving up and showing up.

Challenge of the Week:

Choose one healthy habit to build this week—and text someone who’ll keep you accountable. Growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when it’s tough.

Stay consistent. Stay committed. That’s how we rise.