In a world where we're constantly bombarded with messages to go big or go home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that bite-size actions and behaviors don't matter. But as someone who has struggled with obesity for over a decade, I can tell you that nothing could be further from the truth.
When I first set out to lose weight, I tried all the fad diets from Atkins to South Beach, but none of them worked for me. It wasn't until I started studying behavior design and habit formation that I realized the true power of starting small. By committing to incredibly small actions that I couldn't say no to - like putting on my shoes and walking to the end of my driveway - I was able to build new habits that eventually led to over 200 pounds of weight loss.
The key to becoming the architect of your daily habits rather than the victim is to start incredibly small. It must be so small that it takes less than 30 seconds and you can't say no to it. This way, you won't need to rely on motivation or willpower to keep going.
Whether your goal is physical health, productivity, building relationships, or reigniting your passion and purpose, the key is to start small and go far. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you need to make an all-out massive effort or make none at all. The truth is, small actions or behaviors implemented into your daily routine will continue to build over time until they reach the point of automaticity.
At the core of everything we do are our habits - they make up more than 50% of our daily behaviors. The only thing standing between you and the life you want are the good habits you wish you had and the bad habits you wish you didn't.
So, don't listen to the Big Lie of "Go Big or Go Home". Instead, start small and build habits that will lead to consistent success over time. And remember, it's okay to celebrate your commitment with a little head nod - even if it seems silly at first.