Slow habits create teachable moments
One thing I’ve done on this blog is trying to keep track of my habits. There are a ton of posts on the subject, so much so that I have the entire first sentence linked up ;-).
One of the key principles I learned from writing about habit so much and failing a ton at them is that you do well when you start smaller. Preparing to start small helps you understand how you do and even better, give you teachable moments that help with other things.
Why Small?
Small, simply put, gives you the opportunity to get bored. Boredom, especially individually purposeful boredom, give your mind space to make something better.
The key to making the most of this is to put your full attention and embrace the boredom.
Great example:
When you get a habit of sweeping the floor, start in a tiny spot. Stay there for a few days, and put your full attention in that small place. Every day you do that, your brain is going to come up with a list to make that tiny spot better. As you expand, you bring that thinking process to the rest of the floor. It gets addictive.
Swinging for the fences leaves your arms tired
Trying to reach for the sun when starting something isn’t good preparation. Trying to get to Superman in one leap doesn’t happen, nor does it happen in 10 or 100. But, you get a lot closer to that ideal by starting with one push-up a day, and resting on the idea Superman. Trying to go to the gym every day and do a huge superman workout will squeeze you out.
Take advantage of the beauty of change by making a small one, and engaging in that. You might end up surprised at where you end up when you get a year under your belt.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 