For most of us, there is a gap between what we really want and what we actually do. This is a natural part of being human. 

Maybe you want to be in better shape, but cake tastes really good. Or you planned to have a quiet weekend but got invited out to happy hour and couldn’t refuse. 

We know the problem, but what’s the solution? 

Science tells us that our answer is to create new habits. Small ones.

Almost 50% of our daily actions are made up of habits (Duke University). Making small changes to the way we live our lives eventually compound into complete and total lifestyle changes.

The problem is that instead of starting small, we often just throw ourselves completely into a new lifestyle. Almost 90% of the time this strategy fails and we find ourselves right back where we started.

Studies have shown that willpower doesn’t work this way. In fact, willpower acts like a muscle, one that gets stronger over time. 

This brings us back to the idea of small habits, baby steps. The research shows us that the small victory of adopting a new habit builds the willpower muscle to further create even more wins and good habits. 

Whatever it is you want to change, accomplish, or create the answer is clear; start small. 

Learn more here.