Think of a change you want to make in your life. This will be easy if you set resolutions or intentions for the new year. For some items on your list, you might be able to make a sudden switch and change your behavior over night. But I've found most times, it's better to make a gradual shift to help increase the likelihood you'll follow through. Start small.
Want to get up 30 minutes earlier? Set your alarm 5 minutes earlier for the next week, and then 5 minutes earlier each subsequent week for 6 weeks.
Want to start taking coffee without sugar? Wean yourself off by decreasing the amount each day until it's down to zero.
Want to run a mile without stopping? If you're not running at all now, you might want to start with a tenth of a mile, then a quarter, and so on, or run for 30 seconds, then 45...
Want to work out 5 days a week? If you're barely working out at all, try for 1 or 2 days the first week or two. Then add in additional days.
Want to generate $50,000 in sales? Think about selling ten $5,000 projects and it will feel more manageable.
When I think about the goals I've achieved and the positive changes I've made in my life, they are almost all because I started small. As Darren Hardy says in The Compound Effect, "The key is to start NOW. Every great act, every fantastic adventure, starts with small steps. The first step always looks harder than it actually is."
Start now. Start small.
Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash