By Jessica Domel

Small actions lead to big results.

It’s around this time of year that many of my friends will give up on their New Year’s resolutions.

It could be that it’s impossible to healthily lose 50 pounds in one week. Or that you can’t go from junk food three times a week to swearing off fried foods cold turkey.

But it’s not impossible. Okay, maybe the 50 pounds in one week is, but the overall goals aren’t. It’s possible to lose weight in a healthy manner. It’s possible to reduce the number of calories you take in.

It’s all about the steps you take to reach your goals.

When I was younger, I wanted to plant a full garden, just like my grandpa, and have everything pop up beautifully right away.

That didn’t happen.

The carrots came up short. Bugs got a few of my tomatoes. And I’m not really sure what happened to my lettuce.

But I didn’t give up.

Why?

My father explained to me that goals are like acorns. You find them everywhere. And not all of them grow into mighty oaks. But the ones you plant properly and care for will grow. It’s the loving, little steps you take that lead to big victories.

Farmers understand that. Perhaps that’s why he told me that story. Not every crop he plants will turn up like he wanted it to, but he gives it his all–step-by-step.

Whether your goals are to grow a garden, lose a few pounds or just cook more, just remember it takes the smaller steps, the little victories, that lead to the big ones.

Just don’t give up.