Never Give Up: Finding Strength in Small Steps

A Question to Begin With

When you hear the phrase ‘never give up’, what comes to mind?

For some, it’s a story of resilience against all odds, but in everyday life, and work, persistence doesn’t always look dramatic.

Often, it’s quieter. It’s the choice to show up for a tough conversation instead of avoiding it. It’s deciding to try again tomorrow when today fell short. It’s revisiting a problem with fresh eyes or making space to listen, even when the pace is fast, or time feels tight.

‘Never giving up’ doesn’t have to be heroic. More often, it’s human, humble, steady, and practical.

The Power of Small, Consistent Steps

In coaching conversations, I often return to the idea of 100 small steps. We tend to believe change requires giant leaps, but it’s usually the steady accumulation of small actions that moves us forward.

The one who takes five minutes each morning to plan their priorities, who pauses to ask one more question in a conversation, or who makes a small daily commitment to their wellbeing, a walk, a stretch, or a glass of water.

Individually, these steps may feel small. But taken together, they build momentum and over time, they shape us, shift behaviours, and transform results.

This is the principle of marginal gains, the idea that 1% improvements in multiple areas can add up to extraordinary outcomes.

Reflection: What small improvement could you make today that would benefit your future self or your team?

Shoshin - Seeing with Beginner’s Eyes

The Zen concept of Shoshin, ‘beginner’s mind’, reminds us to approach situations with curiosity and openness, even when we think we already know the answer.

It’s easy to slip into autopilot: to rely on our experience, to assume we’ve seen it all before. But when we do, growth slows or even stops! By contrast, a beginner’s mindset keeps us curious. It allows us to ask better questions, explore alternatives, and spot opportunities we might otherwise miss.

This might mean: - Asking ‘What if’ we tried it differently? - Inviting voices that challenge the norm. - Listening not to confirm what we believe, but to discover what we don’t yet know.

Reflection: Where might adopting a beginner’s mindset help you see fresh possibilities?

Kaizen – Gentle, Continuous Improvement

Linked closely to persistence is Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of “change for better.” Unlike dramatic overhauls, Kaizen thrives on steady, incremental progress.

In practice, it might look like:

• A weekly reflection routine.

• Regular focus on learning, not just delivery.

• A habit of asking open-ended questions to draw out insight.

What feels small in the moment can, over time, change the way we act, improve how we relate to others, and grow our capacity to adapt.

Reflection: What is one small habit you could introduce, or reintroduce, to bring more focus, energy, or connection into your work and life?

Balancing Steadiness with Agility

Yet, while Kaizen and Marginal Gains remind us of the power of small steps, our world often demands more. Digital acceleration, AI, and shifting global realities mean that sometimes we need to pivot quickly.

Resilience today is not just about persistence; it’s about blending steadiness with pace and energy. Sometimes, it’s about knowing which gear to use! Sometimes progress is about the slow build. Other times, progress is about decisive shifts that keep us relevant. And, just as importantly, knowing when we need to stop, pause, and re-set before moving forward again.

Reflection: When did you last adapt quickly to a new challenge, and what strengths did you draw on?

Never Giving Up in Practice

So, what does “never giving up” look like in daily practice? It’s not about ignoring limits or striving endlessly. It’s about:

• Celebrating progress, however small.

• Reframing setbacks as lessons, not failures.

• Embedding reflection as part of the culture, not a luxury.

• Sharing stories, showing not just strength, but also vulnerability.

  
  

Change not only comes from dramatic gestures, it also grows through consistent, everyday actions that build into something bigger. It’s about habits, mindsets, and the courage to keep trying.

A Final Reflection

To “never give up” isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, consistently, humbly, and with intent. It’s about balancing steady steps with the agility to pivot when needed. And it’s about encouraging others to do the same.

So let me leave you with this final thought:

Reflection: What will be your next small step today, and how might it ripple into your tomorrow.

If this resonates with you, reach out to us. Coaching is your space to set the mask down, breathe, and find clarity again. Let’s explore how coaching can support your leadership journey by booking your coaching session today.