The missions I gave my son that shifted anxiety into connection

My little man has been having a rough start to the school year.

New school. New routines. Friends scattered to other places. He’s been feeling a little lost, anxious, and untethered without his people.

It reminded me of those transitional moments we all go through: starting a new job, moving into a new neighborhood, joining a new community, or entering into a new family. They’re never easy.

On the way to school the other day, I gave him a mission.

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How a Mini Mission Works

The mission was simple:

• Day 1: Connect with three people. Learn their names, ask a question, and share something about yourself.
• Day 2: Repeat with three new people.
• Day 3: Reconnect with one of the six and build on the conversation.

Did it magically solve everything? No. But it gave him a purpose for the day. A focus point to hold onto during the awkward, anxious parts of feeling out of place.

That’s the magic of what I call a Mini Mission in my LIFE AT A TEN® Program.

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Why Mini Missions Matter

Mini Missions aren’t about curing anxiety – they’re about giving yourself an objective. And when you have an objective, everything shifts:

• You become focused and intentional.
• You’re more likely to follow through.
• You create momentum toward what you really want, not just what you want right now.

For me, Mini Missions have been a game changer.

Take parties, for example. You’d think I’d love them – I’m outgoing, comfortable in groups, and rarely anxious socially. But truth? I don’t do parties very well.

So instead of floating aimlessly, I give myself a mission: meet two new people, ask meaningful questions, or find one person I can have a deeper conversation with. Suddenly, the night feels purposeful. I’m not just at a party — I’m on a mission.

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From Overwhelmed to Intentional

That’s the power of Mini Missions. They shrink the overwhelming into something simple, actionable, and meaningful. They give you structure when life feels uncertain, whether you’re a teenager in a new school or an adult navigating a new chapter.

So here’s your challenge: What Mini Mission could you give yourself today?

Maybe it’s:

• Starting a conversation with someone new.
• Tackling one lingering task you’ve been avoiding.
• Doing something small that aligns with a bigger dream.

Because the truth is, the big shifts in life don’t come from giant leaps. They come from small missions, consistently carried out.