When you’re looking to make a change in your life, try starting with the absolute smallest step possible.
One of my goals is to read every day. It’s a common goal you’ll hear from lots of people on LinkedIn, except that my goal isn’t to read 20 minutes or 20 pages. My goal is just to read.
👉 Sometimes it’s only one page, and other days it might be 20–30. What’s important is that I set my goal so low that it makes it difficult for me to talk myself out of it.
I know myself pretty well, and if I set a goal of 20 minutes, then it would be pretty easy for me to find an excuse not to do it.
Maybe I’m running behind, or perhaps I’m tired, and 20 minutes just seems like too heavy of a lift. So I’ll tell myself, “Well, if I can’t hit my goal, I might as well not bother doing it at all.”
However, if I’m tired or a little rushed and I tell myself “It’s only one page,” then it’s easy for me to talk myself into doing it. Sometimes that one page might turn into 20 once I get myself started.
💡This philosophy might not work for everyone, but if you’re looking to make a dent in a big goal, try making your first step a small one.
What’s one small step you’re willing to make today?
References: Haley J. Strategies of psychotherapy. 1963.
Post Title: Transformation often begins with the tiniest step you’re willing to take.