Little Moves toward Progress
Propensities basically characterize us. Positive routines, efficiency, and order are the fruits of good habits. Bad habits, on the other hand, steer us in the opposite direction and bind us to rigid, negative behavior patterns.
Our levels of happiness, success, and even health and fitness are all connected to and influenced by our daily routines.
The stark reality is that, despite our knowledge of healthy eating, exercise, and fitness, we are still no closer to achieving our objectives than we were a few months ago. Despite our best efforts to improve ourselves, we continue to “wallow” and engage in the same destructive behaviors.
Why is this?
Even with the best intentions to improve, it can be challenging to develop new, healthy, “lasting” habits. However, there is a way to overcome these apparent “stumbling blocks” of resistance that attempt to bind us to harmful, unhealthy routines.
What is this mysterious formula that can be used to make these blocks neutral?
There is a lot of science behind the process of developing a habit, and anyone can use a “habit-forming” formula that actually works.
The key is as follows:
“Think big; begin small.”
As such, pick only one propensity that you need to improve. Focus your efforts on that one small habit for 21 days to a month, keeping it small and doable. You will be less tempted to say “no” if you keep it small and straightforward, which will also increase your likelihood of continuing.
This new “tiny habit” must be something you can do at least once a day, take less than 30 seconds to complete, and be relevant to the entire behavior in order to be successful. The key is to avoid “biting off more than you can chew.” Literally. Don’t fall for the ludicrous idea that your life goals must be big, bold goals that can only be accomplished when the right time comes, when you have better resources, or when you finally get that “big break.”
It’s like Charlie Brown sitting in the pumpkin patch waiting for the “Great Pumpkin” to appear if you wait for your “big break” before moving forward. It will not take place. In point of fact, the deliberate small steps—the baby steps—that “move energy” in the physical realm are what attract your “big break.”
Keep in mind that in order to start a large fire, you must first ignite it and then feed it kindling. Think of your life goals as small, everyday actions (sparks) that are repeated until they become successful habits.
It’s all about “doing it,” and if you keep things small and doable, you’ll be much more likely to “do it.”
This week, what seeds of change would you like to see sprout in your life that could develop into a good habit or character trait?
Do you want to get in shape? That is commendable. For a week, aim for just five minutes a day. All it takes is that. You can achieve this!
Making your own food? That’s fine. Start by preparing one meal from scratch every day or once a week. Without adding stress, make it work around your schedule.
Want to reduce your debt? Begin by putting aside an additional “defined amount of money” each week. or start making that much more each week.
Try not to get it all at once.
Once you decide to start a new habit in a “small way,” you use your subconscious mind’s power, making it easier to stick with once you get the hang of it.
Take a look and decide on one small habit that you can start today to help you live a better life.
Find ways to remain accountable and take small steps toward changing this habit from negative to positive. Watch as your new healthy habit seamlessly integrates into an existing, well-established habit or something you do on a regular basis. Easy as pie!
Expand your objectives and efforts gradually while gaining momentum through subsequent accomplishments as your smaller tasks become simpler to complete. It’s easier to keep enjoying more “small victories” when you accumulate those early “small victories.”
Proverb from wise Chinese:
“It is smarter to make many little positive developments than to take an extraordinary jump forward just to stagger in reverse.”
“I help clients take charge of their health before circumstance removes the option,” says Carolyn Hansen, your go-to health and fitness specialist. I’ll put you in charge if your quest for true physical and mental well-being is a journey.”
