Growing through Micro Habits

Going after a big goal looks really strenuous, and falling off the bandwagon is easy. To achieve big, it is important to start small - through practising and adopting micro habits.

What do you mean by a micro habit? Take the large goal and break it down into smaller goals - identify the smaller actions that make a dent on these smaller goals. Develop these smaller actions into daily habits with consistent execution. For example, Big goal - complete 20 books in a year. Actions that lead to go towards this goal. Reading a book for several minutes/number of pages every day. No of pages again puts pressure. So go with, say, 15 minutes of reading daily as a micro habit.

Remember that the micro habit must be really small to work well. Otherwise, there is a chance to drop off.

• Combine the micro habit with a daily task to allow seamless execution. Have your reading happen when drinking coffee or having food. In this manner, it becomes second nature, and you won’t be tempted to defer the task.

• Track your progress. Keep a system to measure how consistently you are following it. Also, keep the measurement system easy and light for you.

• Hold steady for a long time. Go with the micro habit for at least 2 weeks before you increase it by not more than 10%. Increasing the micro habit after initial success is tempting, but the chances to discontinue get higher. Go slow and steady.

• Talk to someone about your habits and let them hold you accountable. If failing consistently, try to figure out and address the hindrances and refine your micro habit if needed.

• Think of it as a long game… Keep consistently doing this and grow slowly. Blitzscaling might not be the right strategy for developing habits. It should be a joy doing this and not a chore.

Reference: To Achieve Big Goals start with Small Habits, Harvard Business Review, Jan 2020