I think it is hard to stay on point when a goal is long, huge, and/or challenging. Will this one day of chipping away at my goal make a huge dent in my goal? Probably not. But adding the chips together over many days, weeks, months, and years will.
While golfing recently with my husband, I was striving to “chip on” to the green. I am a beginner, so these short, low flighted shots I made were not perfect. A few though, did hit where I liked. I think this is a different way of using the term “chip” but I like how it reminds me that even short, nondramatic shots may a big difference in your goal (in golf, of course, it is a smaller score). As I keep practicing and playing, I can see that my chipping ability will also improve and this is important. Though chips are small shots, they are crucial to finishing a hole with a good score.
I try to remind myself of this when I think my small little act is not a “big deal.” It is best to keep at things over time to build an automatic habit, and keep chipping away at the goal. Thinking in more the big picture is helpful for me as I try to motivate myself to stick with acts that I know will be good for me. Exercising. Getting enough sleep. Eating in a healthier way. Reading and learning. Chores around the house. Practicing a musical instrument. Buying insurance. Establishing a will. Saving money. Paying off debt. Spending mindfully and on things that will be useful. Establishing a financial plan.
I think writing down my goals is also helpful, both for the short period (e.g. the day or the week), and for the longer term (e.g. the next 6 months or 12 months). I can then see how my small acts are actually chipping away at my much broader and desirable goal. It keeps things in perspective.
I think sticking with things is also good for setting an example for my children. Perseverance is a much respected skill but hard to cultivate. I think it takes practice. It is not natural to want to keep doing hard or painful things. But if I remind myself of the “big picture” and how this is helping me accomplish my bigger goals, I can override my natural comfort seeking behavior. I try to also celebrate wins and reflect back on what all my small acts together have accomplished.