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Mar 25, 2022

Edited: Jul 09

Small Habits, Big Improvements

Sometimes, when you’ve got a large task ahead of you, it can seem daunting and you might feel anxious or stressed before you’ve even started. You might be facing something that you’re not familiar with, you might not know where to start, or you might just not enjoy the content.

When it comes to project work, studying, fitness, or whatever it is that you are currently working on in your life, it can be better to try not to focus on the bigger overall picture. Instead, try developing small daily habits that will help you achieve your goal or put you in the right direction without really feeling like you’re climbing a mountain.

For example, I wanted to learn Spanish but had to start as a complete beginner. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to learn a new language on the side, and found the idea of taking lessons or getting a tutor to be off-putting. Instead, I decided to start very small with 5 minutes of Duolingo every day. The app is enjoyable and 5 minutes didn’t impact my day in the slightest. It’s now two years later, and I’m comfortable watching Spanish television series and can have basic conversations in Spanish.

You might think, “5 minutes? How am I going to learn anything that way?” But the time adds up quickly. 5 minutes of any task daily adds up to almost 2000 minutes after a year. You may also find that after your 5 minutes are up, you end up doing a bit more.

Implement this technique in different parts of your life, and after a few months, you’ll be shocked at what you’ve managed to achieve. Try the tips below to help along the way:

Track your progress – Get a calendar and check off tasks as you do them daily. You’ll realize that you will be very reluctant to break a streak once the days start to rack up. Try increasing the daily effort if you’re finding it easy!
Stick with It - If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up, but make sure you pick back up again the next day!
Set Reminders – If you’re likely to forget, or you need the extra push, set a reminder to make sure you get your 5 minutes in.