The Big Power of Small Changes

I had a great conversation with a client the other day, and subsequently with one of my best friends, about the big power of small changes.  I think we all tend to brace ourselves for radical and immediate changes in our lives, and then we get disappointed when we're not able to sustain those changes over time.  Whether you're focusing on health or business, relationships or finances, I'm growing increasingly convinced that radical changes lead more to radical setbacks than to radical success.

So, we got to talking about how people tend to make meaningful, long-term change in their lives and all three of us determined that there is big power in small changes.  So you want to start working out more often?  Most people, in a New Years' Resolution (or mid year overhaul) delusion, set huge, lofty goals to work out 5 times per week for 1 hour each time.  This equates to going from zero to sixty in a fraction of a second.  What about starting small and methodical, and building to big and habitual?  Can you commit to 10 minutes a day 3 times this week...then 4 times next week...then 5 times the following?  Then can you up it to 15 minutes a day 3 times one week...then 4 times the next...you get my picture?

If your finances are a mess, rather than changing everything today--your spending, your saving, your tracking, your thought processes--is it possible you'd be more likely to create lasting change if this week you focused on knowing where you stand and how you spend your money now, next week on curbing your excess spending, and the next week creating a system of debt reduction that meets your needs?

You can take this approach to anything from enhancing your marriage to organizing your office, and everything in between.  The only real rules of thumb are to: 1) take immediate, consistent, thoughtful action and 2) do more of the same tomorrow...and next week...and next month.  Huge improvements happen as the result of meaningful and frequent tiny steps. 

Give it a try...think of one specific area of your life and decide on the small change you'll make today.  And then choose another tomorrow or next week.  And then another.  You'll be blown away at the transformation that happens when you harness the big power of small changes.   

Comments

[Debbie]

I took the challenge! 3 weeks ago I committed to three new daily habits to begin my body transformation:
1. Drinking 64 oz. of water
2. 10 minutes of exercise
3. Taking daily supplements

I feel great!

Do I want to lose more weight and feel better, yes... but instead of feeling overwhelmed and negative about my starting point, I feel really good about my actions.
Small changes create such positive energy and power and get things moving.

Thanks for your encouragement and sharing your wisdom Deanna. You've got me moving in the right direction.