Frueh Time: Small changes, big results

By Phil Cobb | August 29, 2026 |

In May I bought a small plant when my grandson Simon was with me. I planted it and water it often. The other day when the grandkids were over, they were helping me water my plants. I showed Simon the plant and reminded him he was with me when I bought it a few weeks ago. He said, “wow that has grown.” I looked at the little plant, and I thought I didn’t see the growth Simon noticed.

It made me think about the other flowers I had planted. When you plant them and water them daily you can miss the slight changes of growth. Just like how I see such changes in the grandkids each time I am with them especially when I have not seen them for a few days but my daughter does not notice the changes because she is always with them.

My workout coach encourages us to take photos even if we do not want to show them to others. This helps track our progress. I practice my guitar lessons two times a day. My guitar teacher is always quick to point out the progress I have made even when I do not notice it. Small consistent changes can be effective in which others may notice but we do not see because we are doing small daily actions.

The first couple of weeks of retirement I found it a bit challenging to get into a routine. I was not getting up at the same time every day. I did my workouts consistently but then I got a virus and did not feel well, and the workouts were not daily. It sure can take a bit to get back into a routine. It takes motivation and will power but it can be done. Along with the lack of routine my eating habits for a few weeks were not the best. It was a little easier to not snack all the time when I was at work. Although if you asked my previous co-workers they would tell you I snacked a lot…and I did and do.

Being consistent with anything (eating healthy, walking daily, playing guitar) can get you closer to your goal. Don’t underestimate the power of small daily efforts whether that be watering your plants, watering your body, or watering your mind. Trust the process and be proud of your daily efforts.

Judy Frueh is a native to Nodaway County. She lives on a farm with her husband Randy and her dog Phobus. She has two children who both live in Nodaway County as well as three adorable grandkids.