Let’s be real, changing a habit can feel like climbing a mountain. Whether it’s quitting a bad one or sticking to a positive new routine, it’s tough. You start strong, maybe last a few days, and then… life happens. Before you know it, you're back to square one, wondering why it’s so hard to stay consistent.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying things like:
"I just don’t have enough motivation."
"Willpower is my issue—it always runs out."
"Discipline? Yeah, not my strong suit."
...you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: those things aren’t the real problem. Sure, motivation, willpower, and discipline are helpful, but they’re not what makes change stick.
What does? A super-simple approach that’s often overlooked: start small, and do a little more every day.
The Power of Small Steps: How I’ve Made It Work
This one rule has completely changed my life. It’s how I:
Finally built a workout routine that stuck (even after falling off the wagon).
Turned writing into a daily habit, helping me grow my Instagram and business.
Learned to focus on progress instead of perfection.
And it’s not just me. Icons like Warren Buffett, Will Smith, and Jerry Seinfeld have used this approach to achieve incredible things. Let’s break it down.
Start Small - Like, Really Small
The secret? Start with something so ridiculously easy that there’s no resistance. You don’t need a pep talk or superhuman discipline. You just need to take the tiniest step forward.
Here’s what this looks like in action:
Push-ups: Start with one. That’s it. Tomorrow, do two. In 20 days, you’re doing 20 push-ups without even thinking about it.
Eating healthier: Don’t overhaul your entire diet overnight. Begin with one small change, like drinking more water or cutting out that extra teaspoon of sugar in your coffee.
Reading: Forget trying to finish a book in a week. Read just one sentence today. Tomorrow, read a paragraph. Before long, you’ll breeze through 20 pages daily.
Journaling: Not sure where to start? Answer simple questions like, What am I grateful for today? Add more details as you get comfortable.
Meditation: Start by taking three deep breaths. The next day, aim for six. Eventually, you’ll build up to several minutes of mindfulness without even noticing the effort.
What Happens When You Slip Up?
Life gets busy. Habits fall through the cracks. It happens to all of us. The good news? The rule still works:
Go back to small, manageable steps.
Here’s how I’ve handled setbacks:
When I stopped meditating after a busy year, I started again with just three deep breaths a day.
When I switched from strength training to calisthenics, I rebuilt my routine with just 15 push-ups a day.
There’s no shame in starting over. What matters is that you start small and keep showing up.
Why This Works
Most people expect massive change in a short time. They think if they push themselves hard enough, they’ll build the habit. But that rarely works long-term.
The key is to make it so easy that you can’t say no. No excuses. No inner resistance. Just small, consistent wins that build momentum.
So, what’s the habit you’ve been wanting to build (or break)? And how will you make it so easy that you can’t ignore it?
And just like building habits, creating a faceless Instagram business thrives on the same principle: starting small, staying consistent, and letting those tiny actions compound into something extraordinary.
Let me know, I’d love to hear your plans. Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, one tiny step at a time.