8 January 2021
There is so much information out there about the benefits of micro-habits. These are small, incrementally beneficial ways of changing unwanted behaviors, or in implementing new goals or routines. The premise is that you should start off small. Don’t dwell on the finished product, focus on one step at a time. The limitations that you place on your abilities can feel like moving a ton of bricks, if you want to change. But it’s so much easier to move one brick at a time, rather than to try moving all 2000 pounds at once! But we live in a world where “go big or go home” seems to be the only way to get things done. But not everyone can be Hercules. Be kinder to yourself when you set out to make changes in your life. It will certainly make things feel less overwhelming.
Life can become easier when you don’t overload your thinking with daunting, over-the-top goals. When it comes to exercise, one sit up is easier than trying to do 100. Five minutes at the gym feels easier than going three hours at day, everyday for 10 years! The point is, anything (no matter how small) is better than nothing. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that small, progressive measures don’t matter. Just remember that one is better than zero, when it comes to implementing a new habit. It’s the only way to move forward in lifting the limitations you place on yourself. When I think of writing on this blog, for example, I can get overwhelmed about coming up with a new idea – every single day! How could I possibly sustain writing 365 days a year, and not get stuck? If I fall into the trap of thinking that way, I would have never gotten started in the first place! But the ideas do come, one at a time. I promised myself that if the day comes when I have no idea what to write about, then I’ll stop. Until then, coming up with a few words, one day at a time, is a snap. It feels easy for me because I’ve been journaling for over a decade now. But I had to get started by putting words onto the very first page. Today, don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with how far you need to go, or how much work you need to do. Lift those restrictions, but do them incrementally, slowly, methodically, and patiently. Take smaller “bytes” of life. It’s the only way to fully savor the flavor and goodness of your aspirations to do better!