Making Changes that Stick: How Small Steps Lead to Big Results

A Practical Guide to Building Habits that Last

Start Small

Why Big Goals Fail and Small Steps Work

If you’ve ever started something with a ton of motivation—like a new workout program, diet, or morning routine—only to lose steam a few weeks (or days) later… you’re not alone.

The problem? Most of us try to change too much, too fast. We go from zero to all-in, hoping for a complete transformation overnight. But real, lasting change doesn’t happen that way.

Here’s the truth: small changes done consistently are the secret to long-term success. Not flashy. Not instant. But 100% effective.

This blog is about how to make those changes—bit by bit, in a way that feels doable and lasts for the long haul.

Start Where You Are (Not Where You Wish You Were)

The first step in making lasting change is accepting where you’re at—without judgment.

You don’t need to be fitter, more organised, or more motivated to start improving your life. You just need to start small. Start with what feels easy. Ridiculously easy, even.

Real-Life Tip: Want to eat healthier? Don’t overhaul your diet overnight. Just start by adding one glass of water a day or one extra veggie at lunch.

One Change at a Time

Trying to change too many things at once is like juggling flaming torches while learning to ride a unicycle.

It’s not just hard—it’s almost guaranteed to fail.

Focus on building one new habit at a time. Once that becomes second nature, then add another. Stack slowly, and you’ll build something solid.

Try This: Pick one small thing you want to work on for the next two weeks. Write it down. Commit to it. That’s your starting point.

Make It Tiny (Like, Really Tiny)

Want to create a reading habit? Start with one paragraph a day.

Want to feel more mobile? Stretch for two minutes.

Want to eat better? Prep one healthy snack.

We tend to think small actions aren’t “enough.” But small actions repeated daily are what create real momentum. When something feels easy to do, you’re way more likely to keep doing it.

Think of it this way: Tiny changes lower the bar so you can’t fail—and that success builds confidence.

Make It Easy and Obvious

Want your habits to stick? Remove the friction.

If your running shoes are buried in the closet, you’re less likely to go for a walk. If the healthy food is hidden behind junk food, guess what you’re reaching for?

Make your new habit easier to do and harder to avoid.

Try This:

• Put your vitamins by your toothbrush.

• Lay out your workout clothes the night before.

• Keep a water bottle on your desk or in your car.

• Put your journal next to your coffee mug.

Stack Your Habits

Want to make a habit automatic? Attach it to something you already do every day.

This is called habit stacking. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful tools in behaviour change.

Examples:

• After I brush my teeth, I’ll stretch for 5 minutes.

• After I start the coffee, I’ll write down one thing I’m grateful for.

• After I get up from dinner, I’ll do 10 squats.

Your existing habits become anchors for your new ones.

Don’t Break the Chain

Tracking your habit helps keep it alive. Every time you follow through, you reinforce your identity: “I’m the kind of person who does this.”

Try using a calendar or habit tracker. Every day you do your new habit, mark it with an “X.” The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is consistency.

Rule of Thumb: Never miss twice. If you skip one day, that’s life. But don’t let it turn into a skipped week.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Progress is motivating—even tiny progress.

The key is to notice and celebrate it. Every time you follow through on a habit, take a second to feel proud. That emotional reward helps your brain remember: This is worth doing.

Try This: Say something positive after completing your habit: “I’m proud of myself.”Or do a small fist pump. Seriously—it helps.

Adjust, Don’t Abandon

Sometimes life throws curveballs—travel, illness, busy work week. Don’t abandon your habits—just scale them back.

Can’t do your full workout? Do a few stretches.

Too tired to cook? Choose the better takeout option.

Only have 3 minutes? Use it.

Small versions of your habits still count. They keep your streak alive and help you bounce back faster.

This Is a Long Game (and You’re Winning It)

You don’t have to overhaul your life. You don’t need willpower of steel. You don’t need to do everything right.

All you need is to take small steps—and keep taking them.

Real change happens slowly. Quietly. In the background of your everyday life. But one day you’ll look back and realize: You changed your life.

And it all started with something small.

Final Thought: Choose Your Next Tiny Step

Before you close out of here, pick one thing you want to work on.

Make it small. Make it specific. And make it easy. Write it down - You can even it to me if you'd like, I'll hold you accountable.

My new habit: ______________________

When I’ll do it: ______________________

How I’ll remember: ___________________

You’ve got this.