The Power of Small Habits

What’s the magic formula?

Last week I reached a milestone….. 7 years at Benevolent Health.

And, let me tell you it hasn’t been easy!

But, I have managed to stay seated at my own table??

With alot of prayer and perseverance, alongside support from a fantastic network and some amazing coaches, who have kept me accountable and consistent.

There is no such thing as a shortcut, and neither are there any quick fixes.?No matter what the gurus tell you, believe me the coaching industry has a few….

Despite the tears, disappointments and tantrums. I kept plugging away each day and never gave up!

Yet, people continue to criticise me for daring to bring up race and gender.

Apparently, I could build a bigger table if I dropped the labels!?

But, this is a reminder to focus on what really matters to you,

For me it is leaving a legacy and building a bigger table, so other women who look like me in the future can just focus and get on with the work?

The only real way to get ahead or succeed is to put the work in, never give up and stay consistent.

That’s the magic formula!!!!?

The Power of Small Habits

With dedication and perseverance, you have the ability to achieve anything you set your mind to.

Each year, I have focused less on monumental overhauls and more on consistent, manageable actions that gradually propel me forward.

The concept of small habits revolves around the idea of making tiny, incremental changes in our behaviour that, over time, lead to significant results.?

Here are 9 small habits that have supercharged my productivity and may help you to accomplish your goals, regardless of the obstacles and challenges;

1. Start Ridiculously Small

The key to forming lasting habits lies in making them as easy and accessible as possible. Begin by breaking down your goals into the smallest possible actions. This is good for procrastinators. Believe me I have mastered this, as one of my top skills!!! By lowering the barrier to entry, you eliminate excuses and build momentum from the ground up. So, if you want to write a book? Commit to writing just one sentence a day. Dream of running a marathon? Start by lacing up your shoes and stepping outside for a five-minute walk.

2. Anchor Your Habits

Anchor your new habits to existing routines or triggers in your daily life. Whether it's tying your habit to your morning cup of coffee or linking it to a specific time of day, establishing these connections helps integrate your desired behaviour seamlessly into your routine. Over time, these triggers become cues that prompt automatic action, making it easier to stay consistent. I try to start my day being thankful, remembering all the good in my life and speaking this out, over my day and life.

3. Embrace Consistency Over Intensity

Consistency is the bedrock of habit formation. Focus on showing up every day, even if it's in the smallest of ways. While bursts of motivation are fleeting, the power of consistency compounds over time, leading to substantial progress. Remember, it's not about how much you do in a single day, but rather the cumulative effect of your efforts over weeks, months, and years.

4. Track Your Progress

Monitoring your progress not only holds you accountable, but also provides valuable insights into your habits. Keep a journal, use habit-tracking apps, or create a simple checklist to mark off your daily wins. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to give up. By keeping a record of your journey, you'll gain clarity on what works best for you and where adjustments may be needed. What you measure you can improve!

5. Stay Flexible and Adapt

Life is unpredictable, and obstacles are bound to arise along the way. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, embrace them as opportunities to reassess and adapt your approach. Be willing to tweak your habits or pivot your strategies as needed to accommodate changes in your circumstances or priorities. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.? Done always trumps perfect.

6. Foster a Growth Mindset

Cultivating a mindset centred on growth and self-improvement is key. Recognising that habits are not set in stone and that change is always possible with dedication and effort requires a third party. This is one thing I don’t recommend you do on your own. Approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear, viewing each stumble as a chance to learn and grow stronger. By nurturing a growth mindset, you empower yourself to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. This habit alone will keep you innovating.

7. Build Support Systems

Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage your goals. Whether it's joining a community of like-minded individuals, enlisting an accountability partner, or seeking guidance from mentors, a strong support system can provide invaluable motivation and perspective. Share your progress, seek advice when needed, and draw inspiration from the journeys of others.

8. Practice Self-Compassion

Above all, be kind to yourself throughout the process. Acknowledge that change takes time and that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and remember that each step forward is a testament to your resilience and commitment.

9. Know Your why

If you are connected to your why, this is one of the most important, yet deeply underestimated power habits. I always consider the one person who needs my message and what would happen if I didn't show up. More people suffer from mental health issues than we think, the problem is it’s not usually visual, people rarely tell others and carry on regardless! It’s our duty to speak up or follow our purpose, we often don't even realise the impact we are having.

Embrace the journey, stay resilient in the face of adversity, and trust in the transformative power of your daily actions. Who is with me?

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