Most New Year's resolutions fail by February because they are too ambitious. "Go to the gym every day" is daunting. "Do one pushup" is stupidly easy. That is the power of micro-habits.
The 1% Rule
If you improve by just 1% every day for a year, you will be 37 times better by the end of it. Micro-habits are about lower resistance. When the hurdle is low, you are less likely to stumble.
"Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations." — James Clear
Examples of Micro-Habits
- Want to read more? Read one paragraph before bed.
- Want to get fit? Put on your running shoes (even if you don't run).
- Want to eat healthy? Drink one glass of water before your coffee.
Start small. So small you can't say no. Consistency beats intensity every single time.