This Tiny Change Will Help You Build Any Habit
We all have habits we want to cultivate, whether it’s hitting the gym regularly, reading more books, or simply drinking more water. But the journey from wanting to do something to actually doing it consistently can feel like scaling a mountain. The good news? You don’t need Herculean willpower. All you need is a tiny, almost laughably simple tweak to your approach.
The Secret? Start Absurdly Small.
We often overestimate what we can achieve in the short term and underestimate what we can achieve in the long term. This leads to setting ambitious goals that quickly fizzle out. We vow to run a marathon, read 50 pages a day, or meditate for an hour. When we inevitably fail to meet these lofty expectations, we get discouraged and give up.
Instead, try embracing the power of "micro-habits." These are so small, so ridiculously easy, that you can’t help but succeed. They remove the pressure and resistance that often sabotage our best intentions.
Think Micro, Achieve Macro.
Instead of aiming for an hour-long gym session, commit to doing just one push-up. Forget reading 50 pages; aim for one page. Skip the hour-long meditation; try one minute.
The key is to make the initial step so effortless that it becomes almost impossible to say no. This isn’t about the immediate result of that single push-up or page. It’s about building momentum and establishing a routine.
Here’s why this tiny change works so powerfully:
- Reduces Resistance: The biggest hurdle to forming a habit is often overcoming inertia. Starting small eliminates the mental friction and makes it easier to take that initial step.
- Builds Momentum: Once you’ve done that one push-up or read that one page, you might find yourself wanting to do more. Even if you don’t, you’ve still kept your promise and built a sense of accomplishment.
- Creates Identity: Habits are about who we believe ourselves to be. By consistently showing up, even in a small way, you reinforce the identity of someone who exercises, reads, or meditates.
- Consistency is Key: The most important factor in habit formation is consistency. Micro-habits are sustainable because they’re easy to maintain, even on your busiest or most challenging days.
How to Implement This Strategy:
- Identify Your Desired Habit: What is it you want to consistently do?
- Scale it Down Dramatically: Reduce the activity to its most basic, achievable form. Think of the absolute minimum you can do and still consider it a success.
- Anchor it to an Existing Habit: "After I brush my teeth (existing habit), I will do one push-up (new habit)." This creates a trigger and makes it easier to remember.
- Be Consistent: Do your micro-habit every single day, even if you don’t feel like it. Remember, the goal is consistency, not perfection.
- Gradually Increase: Once you’ve consistently maintained your micro-habit for a few weeks, you can gradually increase the difficulty. Maybe add another push-up, read another page, or meditate for two minutes.
Don’t underestimate the power of small beginnings. This simple shift in mindset can be the difference between perpetually struggling to build habits and finally achieving lasting change. So, embrace the absurdly small, and watch your desired habits blossom. You might be surprised at how far a single, tiny push-up can take you.
