It’s simple but not easy.
I love making massive changes.
After reading an inspiring book, I’ll make a ten-step plan and start making progress. I mean massive action.
But a couple of days in, I’ll fizzle out. It’s like all the massive action reverts to the mean.
I want to think it’s not my willpower that sucks. Although, I feel that way. There has to be something else.
Often, I would feel like I couldn’t be consistent. It annoys me and starts a vicious cycle of shame and guilt. Which only pushes me further away from my habit goals.
Showing Up
After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, I grasped a missing part of the equation. I had a hard time showing up. At the heart of the issue was consistency.
We can work and install the very best habits. Yet, if we are unable to maintain the routine, it’s pointless.
I also saw the importance of building smaller habits rather than massive changes.
“Aim for small habits focused on showing up.”
Sometimes it’s not about killing it every day but showing up daily, whether it’s working out for 5 minutes or 50 minutes.
Focus on being consistent with your habits. Currently, I am working on writing regularly. Some days I write a line for a project. Yet, I am still making more progress than zero.
Make Change Regular
I understand why Jocko Willink makes his bed every day. It’s about showing up and getting a small win you can build on.
Showing up is the one habit that has the potential to make change possible. It allows you to make a little progress even when it seems like it’s a losing day.
It’s easier said than done, but the payoff can be immense.
