By Opeyemi Akinbo
Personal growth will require that we build habits and the mistake we often make is that we think of big shifts like just quitting sugar, reading one book per week, hitting the gym consistently amongst many other. These are undoubtedly great goals but the truth is that they can feel overwhelming, especially when other aspects of like keeps demanding for our attention.
If you have contanstantly struggle with these, building habits but not pushing through at long, don’t beat yourself too hard. It is only but natural to feel frustrated after many failed attempts.
The game changer for you out of the constant struggle to make a change is Micro-Habits.
What Are Micro-Habits?
They are small, easy to do behavior that take just few minutes or seconds to complete. They are easier to stick with and stay consistent. Consistency is the key to success.
For example, if you are thinking of improving your health, you might want to start with making it a habit to always drink a glass of water after waking up.
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To improve your mind health, you can try writing down 3 things you are grateful for everyday.
Reading a page of a book each night before bed rather than just trying to jump at it.
Doing 5 squats before your morning shower.
These tasks may sound ridiculously simple but that’s where we are going. Small wins add up over time will help you build momentum without you getting burnout.
Why You Should Consider Micro-Habits?
Micro-Habits have been proven to be so effective over time due to the following reasons;
- They are not resistible.
Big changes can be scary and exhausting. They feel doable and so your brain will not resist them. - Help build identity.
It is amazing how small actions can help you reinforce your becoming. Practicing 2 minutes meditation daily, you are becoming someone who meditates.
- Consistency.
When you do something small daily as an habits, it builds a pattern that transcends into habits. Habits are what you need to shape your lifestyle.
- Give Room for Bigger Change.
Starting with reading one page turns 5 chapters . Starting small reduces pressure while leading you to the bigger change you envision.
How can you Start?
Getting started is often the most difficult part of everything. Once you can get started, you are capable of pulling through. Let’s take a look at practical ways of building Micro-Habits that works for you;
- Determine the Area of Your Life You Wish to Improve.
These area could be your Health, Mindset, Finance, Productivity or Relationships.
- Pick an Easy Action in that direction.
For Health: you might want to start with taking 2 minutes walk after lunch every day. Or you can go for something else that works for you.
Mindset: Writing 3 things that you are grateful for each morning or saying one positive affirmation.
Finances: Tracking one expense a day might go a long way or you could stick to a plan that works for you.
- Pin it To Something You Do.
For example, squatting before taking your morning bath. Taking a walk after lunch etc. This will help you build consciousness and necessity.
This is called habit stacking, and it increases the chance that your Micro-Habits will stick.
- Track Your Progress.
Make use of habit tracker, checklist or sticky note to track your progress. Seeing your progress will help you build motivation. But ensure you are not obsessed over perfection, the goal is progress.
In conclusion, the trick to Big change is small steps.
If you are struggling with consistency with chasing big goals, practice Micro-Habits.
Start with doing one small thing every day and you will realize that over time, small changes are not so small after all.
What Area of your life would you like to improve? Share with me in the comments.
