Big Changes with Small Steps 🐾

Maybe moving slowly is a super power?

I have overcome my disorder in such HUGE ways. I used to fall over when I would turn, or go faster. But now just look at me! When I’m walking I drag my feet to stabilize myself. AND NOW I PRANCE!

But that took a few years to master that. So slow down. Stop thinking you’ve got to change overnight. You’re Awesome Just As You Are!

And if you do want to make some changes, do them slowly ok! Use the science and guide below to help.

Love, #YourHappyCoach, Fenix xoxo

STRATEGY • Big Change with Small Steps

Making changes in our lives can be difficult, whether it's making healthier choices, changing a habit, or pursuing a new goal. One question that often arises is whether it's better to make changes incrementally, taking small steps towards our goal, or to make a big, dramatic change all at once.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, scientific research suggests that making changes incrementally can be more effective and sustainable over the long term. [1] Here’s why:

1. Small changes are more manageable

When we try to make a big change all at once, it can feel overwhelming and daunting. This can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, which in turn can make it harder to stick to our goals. By breaking our goals down into smaller, more manageable steps, we can make the process feel less daunting and more achievable.

2. Small changes are more sustainable

When we make a big change all at once, it can be difficult to maintain that change over the long term. This is because big changes often require a lot of willpower and self-discipline, which can be hard to sustain over time. By making small changes, we can create habits and routines that are more sustainable over the long term, and that can lead to lasting change. [2]

3. Small changes can lead to big results

While small changes may not seem like they will make a big difference, over time they can add up to significant results. By consistently making small changes, we can create momentum and build towards bigger goals over time. [3]

So while it may be tempting to make big, dramatic changes in our lives, scientific research suggests that making changes incrementally can be more effective and sustainable over the long term. By breaking our goals down into smaller, more manageable steps, we can create habits and routines that are more sustainable over time, and that can lead to lasting change.

And we’ll be diving into practically how to do this over time in the Step by Step Guide below 👇

THE STEPS • Real Progress with Small Changes

So how do we support ourself in truly making real progress in areas that we want to, with this small change approach?

1. Identify an area of your life where you want to make progress.

This could be health, fitness, personal growth, career, or any other area that is important to you.

2. Break down your goal into small, manageable steps.

For example, if your goal is to exercise more regularly, start with something small like doing ten minutes of stretching each day.

3. Create a tiny habit around your goal.

A tiny habit is a small, simple action that you can do every day without fail. For example, if your goal is to exercise more regularly, your tiny habit might be to do ten minutes of stretching each day after you brush your teeth in the morning.

4. Make your tiny habit as easy as possible to do.

For example, if your tiny habit is to do ten minutes of stretching each day, lay out your yoga mat the night before so that you can do your stretching right away in the morning.

5. Celebrate your successes.

Each time you complete your tiny habit, take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge yourself. This will help to reinforce the habit and make it more likely that you will continue to do it.

6. Build on your tiny habit over time.

As your habit becomes easier, you can gradually increase the time or effort you put into it. For example, if your tiny habit is to do ten minutes of stretching each day, you might increase this to twenty minutes after a few weeks.

Pro Tip 🏆

By following these steps, you can make progress in any area of your life using the power of tiny habits. Remember to be patient with yourself, and to celebrate your successes along the way. Good luck!