Ask Erin | Mini Habits = Big Changes

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE  |  [email protected]

A mini habit is a small, positive action that you repeat daily.  The habit is so small that it is practically weightless, but it is so profound that it creates a compounding effect that will set you on the path to crushing your goals!

Doing a little bit at a time is infinitely better than doing nothing.  In fact, I would argue that doing a little bit at a time is better than doing a lot at a time, because of the lasting change that will occur within you.  

Whether you realize it or not, your subconscious brain loves order and efficiency.  It wants to automate as many things as possible for you and this is where mini habits come in clutch.  

“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives.  It’s what we do consistently.”
– Anthony Robbins

With all of that said, let me show you how to create your personal mini habit plan.

Choose your Habits –  Make a list of habits that you want now or at some point in your life.  The trick is that they need to be specific.  Don’t just choose to workout, for instance.  That is too vague.  I want to build muscle in my arms, is better.  The great thing about mini habits is that you can incorporate more than one into your day and routine without overwhelm!  As stated before, a mini habit is meant to be easy and weightless.  

Make them Mini Habits –  Once you’ve chosen your habits, you need to make them small enough to make them “stupid.”  In other words, you want to make an action so small that you would be stupid not to do it.  Examples below:

Habit = Mini Habit
Build muscle in my arms = Do one pull up a day
Read a book a month = Read 2 pages a day
Slow down my drinking = Pour one less ounce a day

Ask Why – Now that you have defined your habit and mini habits, you need to find your why.  Why do you want to build muscle in your arms?  Why do you want to workout?  Why do you want to read a book a month?  If your reasons aren’t good enough you will never be able to make the habit last no matter how stupid small the corresponding mini habit is.

Decide When – When will you work your mini habit into your routine?   First thing in the morning?  Right before bed? Make a conscious decision in your head now.

Create a System to Check In – Making your mini habits will get you going but you may not see any progress if you keep them “stupid” small.  You must check in with yourself and slowly increase the size of your habit until it develops into the full habit you want it to be.  This could mean adding one pull up at the end of each week.  Or reading one more page a week.  The good news is that you should know when you are ready to move your mini habit to full habit.  It should come naturally. 

Write Everything Down – This step is a habit in and of itself, but it will lead to lasting change.  I promise!  Writing something down instantly elevates it above all of your other thoughts.  You could do this in journal form, on a calendar, as a checklist, etc.  Just get it down on paper to make it real.

The mini habit system is more than just a tool to help you reach your goals. It is also a guide for self-control and willpower. You now have both!