We all know how difficult it is to create a good new habit that actually sticks. Self motivation (it varies wildly) and will power (it quickly evaporates) just don’t seem to work. The sneaky inner self seems to resist.
This book Mini Habits by Stephen Guise provides a surprisingly practical approach. It can work even if you are part of the vast majority who cannot keep New Year’s resolutions. And that includes about 99.9% of us.
A mini habit is a stupidly small habit which you “decide” to practice every day. It is so small that miniscule willpower is required to make it happen. So little willpower and time are needed that the lazy, frightened subconscious part of your brain has no reason to bother resisting.
The result is that a mini habit can sneak in under the subconscious resistance that has been holding you back all your life. Eventually you will start developing the perseverance, momentum and enthusiasm which it takes for big permanent changes. Stop attempting to push your unconscious mind. Let mini habits work their repetitive magic on their own.
Also don’t bother making a mini habit bigger. Instead use your new-found emotional energy as a bonus to do more on those days, and only those days, “when you feel like it.” After a while your mini habit will automatically lead you to bigger habits so strong that will power and motivation are no longer even necessary. You’ll just do your new habit without emotion like you do other habits good or bad. And, if something goes wrong, you always have your mini habit to fall back on.
For much more information read Mini Habits. It’s short (126 pages) easy read with good explanations and research on the subject.
Here are examples of small mini habits and the good habit where they might lead
* 1 pushup/day – leads to a bigger more healthy exercise program
* Walk treadmill 60 sec/day – leads to more healthy exercise
* Read 2 pages/day – improve the contents of your mind
* Write 50 words/day – get that writing project moving
* More ideas for mini habits
Will power is very limited as most of us have noticed a few days after our annual New Years resolutions. Mini habits solve this problem by requiring so little will power and so little time that it becomes laughable to avoid doing them.
The problem with motivation is that it is undependable. That is why you use will power (a very small amount) instead to guarantee your mini habits are accomplished.
On those lucky days when you do feel motivated, and that will most likely happen soon after starting mini habits, use this motivation as bonus energy. For example, if your mini habit is to do 1 push up then use your motivation to do more.
Mini habits is an idea well worth testing for yourself. Pick some good habit that would make a big positive difference and reduce it down to a stupidly small but specific mini habit. Then religiously follow that mini habit every day for the rest of your life (or until it becomes clear that you can improve upon it).
When your motivation kicks in and you “feel” like doing more, then definitely do more. That’s what leads to bigger habits. And the improved motivation is a bonus you can eventually expect from mini habits along with better will power, momentum and results.
The book Mini Habits by Stephen Guise which gives detailed explanations and research on the subject.
The Mini Habits concept is a useful variation on The Slight Edge concept and I think both authors would heartily endorse each other. Mini Habits is more specific and less far ranging. Being easier to digest and specifically implement I think it is good way to get started.
Change Anything is a book focused on getting rid of bad habits (vs making good habits)