We’re often praised in our personal and professional lives for thinking big, not executing small.
“Go big or go home.”
“Set big hairy audacious goals.”
“Swing for the fences.”
But big goals are more burdensome and overwhelming. They require daunting effort. It’s easy to fall behind.
And falling short deflates us. Furthermore, it causes a negative spiral that deters future action.
We sometimes become so fixated on the big result, that we overlook the most important step – the next one.
Which is why, in order to achieve big goals, we must start with small habits.
Charles Duhigg, the Heath Brothers, and many others have written extensively about this concept over the years. Here’s a refresher on the key principles:
Think ridiculously small. Want to read more, write more, or exercise more? Read one paragraph. Write a simple sentence. March in place in your living room for 1 minute. Aim small to begin.
Piggyback on another daily task. While waiting for coffee to brew in the morning, sit down and meditate for 3 minutes. Do curls with your briefcase while walking into the office. Say your prayers while brushing your teeth.
Track progress. Make short and simple lists and check off items that get done. The shorter and simpler the better.
Stay small. Don’t try to advance too fast or do too much. Doing so can cause overreaching and over-ambition which can lead to failure. Increase habit development by 10 percent or a reasonable level so as not to overwhelm.
Seek accountability assistance. Share your goals and habits with a small group of people and update them regularly on progress. Create a mastermind, peer group or coffee klatch and get together on a regular basis.
Taking on a big goal all at once can be a recipe for failure. Start with small wins to accomplish big ones.
Have a great week.
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