Start small with your habits from "summary" of Mini Habits by Stephen Guise
When it comes to building habits, starting small is key. Why? Because starting small sets you up for success. Think about it: if you set a big goal for yourself right off the bat, you're more likely to feel overwhelmed and give up. On the other hand, if you start with something tiny, like doing just one push-up a day, the barrier to entry is much lower. This makes it easier for you to get started and build momentum over time.
By starting small, you're also training your brain to see the habit as something achievable. This is important because our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. If a habit feels like too much work or too difficult, your brain will resist it. But if a habit feels easy and manageable, your brain will be more willing to adopt it. This is why starting small is so powerful - it tricks your brain into thinking that the habit is no big deal.
Another benefit of starting small is that it helps you build consistency. Consistency is key when it comes to forming habits. You want to be able to do your habit every day, without fail. By starting small, you make it easier to be consistent. If your goal is to read 30 pages a day, for example, starting with just one page might not seem like much. But doing that one page every day will eventually add up. And once you've built the habit of reading every day, you can always increase the amount you read.
In a way, starting small with your habits is like laying a strong foundation. You're setting yourself up for long-term success by starting with something manageable and achievable. This approach also helps you build confidence. When you consistently meet your mini habit, you begin to believe in your ability to stick to a routine. This confidence can spill over into other areas of your life, making it easier for you to tackle bigger challenges.
So, if you're looking to build lasting habits, remember to start small. Choose a tiny action that you can do every day, no matter what. Over time, that small action will compound into something much bigger. And before you know it, you'll have a solid habit that you can rely on.
