Go Tiny Vol. 1

Your monthly dose of psychology + comedy for to expand your mind + brighten your day.

In one of her most notorious performances, comedian Tig Notaro, infamously took to the stage during one of her darkest moments of life—a grim cancer diagnosis—that took the audience a minute to realize she was both serious and joking about.

I’ve always admired her courage and her skills--she’s good at sarcasm in a way I could never pull off without awkward giggles and botched punchlines. Or the haunting worry that some literal out there would take me seriously and I’d hurt their feelings.

This quote I recently found from Tig really resonated:

I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny—and possibly very uncomfortable—step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance.

I’m not suggesting to take all life advice from a seasoned comedian, but in this case the recommendation is spot on.?

Especially when your avoidance and procrastination tendencies are in full effect.?Of your plate is just ridiculously full.

As you may know, I worked a long time as a therapist before arriving on the scene in higher education. One of the key things I’ve studied is what makes for good follow-through—especially when it comes to making changes we dread.?

That’s exactly what I want to share with you today.

Are you a marshmallow who dreads confrontation? Scared to take the next career step? Are you flirting with the idea of dating despite that reality television grade break-up? Do you have something new you’re itching to try but falling into the grooves of tracks you’ve long ridden over??

Forget the advice go big or stay home. Start and stay tiny. Cumulative steps add up. Pick something minuscule and start chipping away. In The Power of Regret, Daniel Pink underscores that people tend to feel badly about the things they didn’t attempt versus the ones they did.

Today is your chance to take a peek at places you’re looking to build courage. And find that teeny aspect you want to focus on. Do not be overly ambitious. Just start, and keep chipping away. And like Tig, remember that when times are challenging, a little levity can go a long way.

Oh yeah, and you may have noticed I tweaked my newsletter—thanks for waiting for me while I was on a new book writing bender. More to come on that. But for now, I wanted to say a big thanks for being part of my community—and welcome to tiny bits—your monthly dose of psychology + comedy for to expand your mind and brighten your day.

Speaking of which, have a look at this funny clip: Tig + Conan discuss "being present".

In solidarity,

Kris?

To learn more, order Worth the Risk: How to Microdose Bravery to Grow Resilience, Connect More, and Offer Yourself to the World, a 2022 Next Big Idea nominee and Nautilus Book Club silver medalist (like Nancy Kerrigan, but no triple salchows).