MM 04: - Start Small, Dream Big

Building Momentum: The Power of Small Steps Welcome to another blog post inspired by the FWACATA Podcast, where we dive into life, art, and the journey of becoming invulnerable in the face of challenges. Today, let’s talk about the magic of starting small and how consistency can turn those small steps into monumental wins. In the early 2000s, I was lucky to land a spot on GraphicSmash.com. It was my first real foray into publishing comics in a way that garnered some attention. I was part of the early wave of webcomics, and man, it was a grind. For four years, I published two pages of comics every weekend while juggling school, work, and life. It was exhausting, borderline insane—but I walked away with over 200 pages of comics. That experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons: big projects are built one small step at a time. That’s the theme for today’s Monday Motivation: stop waiting for the perfect conditions and start small. Whether you're an artist, a writer, or just someone with a dream, the secret is consistency. Dream big, but build small. We often hear excuses like, “I need the perfect tools,” or “I’ll start when the timing is right.” But here’s the truth: those perfect conditions may never come. Sometimes, the key is just to start. Take one small step, then another. In comics, for example, drawing one panel a day can lead to finishing three or more comics in a year. That’s a whole series! The same goes for writing. Set a manageable goal, like 3,000 words a week. That might sound small, but over time, you’ll have a full novel in your hands. Small wins create momentum, and momentum builds success. This past week, I finished the second issue of Rez, a project that’s been on my desk since 2013. Finishing it felt like a huge victory. I celebrated with my wife over a birthday dinner, and that moment reminded me of why I keep grinding: the payoff is worth it. So, here’s the takeaway: * Break down your goals into manageable chunks. * Build a routine that works for you. * Celebrate your small wins. Whether you're publishing a comic, writing a novel, or tackling your next big idea, remember that the journey is built one step at a time. Small habits lead to big changes. Now, go out there and start your project. Even if it’s messy or imperfect, just start. You’ll thank yourself later. Until next time, keep pushing, keep creating, and stay invulnerable. BE GOOD. Get full access to FWACATA’s Newsletter at www.fwacata.com/subscribe