The symbolism of the small drip of water slowly eroding a large boulder is something that sticks with me. The persistent, constant force that slowly applies it will against an unmovable object will eventually move it.
With that symbolism in mind, I want to remind myself (and you if you are paying attention) that the small changes that we have the ability to make each day that can make a really big difference. For example, staying hydrated is a big health challenge for me. Drinking enough water has a lot to do with my ability to function, fight disease, stay alert and active and to curb impulse eating. A few months ago, I just started picking up a habit to drink a full glass of water just as soon as I woke up in the morning. That small little incremental change has done wonders for my hydration needs and it just sets the stage right for the rest of the day.
There are so many other small things we can do that have a tremendous impact and very gradually they compound until one day things are dramatically better. I added a small flexibility routine to my nightly schedule. That little thing did very little at first, but over time, I have really noticed a difference. I have less pain now when sitting a long time, it is easier for me to get up and start moving again after sitting at a computer. I have noticed a gradual increase in mobility. This one small little routine I added is having a big impact on me.
This applies in a million other areas. Just think of the power of just giving one person a deliberate compliment every day might have on you. What if instead of whining about a messy house, you just cleaned one thing every day. Eventually, the compounded effect will be noticeable. Perhaps one of our problems is that we are thinking big all the time. I want to go big! I want to finally achieve some big thing. I am going to start this big program today! I am going to wait until next week then I will go big! I am going to finally get healthy and go big and go full keto starting Monday!
How about, I am just going to stop eating donuts in the morning and substitute instead a bowl of fruit? Remove 30 days of sugary snacks, and replace with a low glycemic food and you will have a result. Probably much better then that “Monday” that will never come. I am starting Monday for sure this time! Is your significant other feeling a lack of attention from you? You could plan a big trip or buy them something big or you could just do something small everyday. Leave him or her a small note every morning in the same place. Do that for 6 months consistently and that will have a far greater impact then a diamond ring or a trip to an exotic location every would. Ok, Ok, I can just hear my wife now….”I would like to talk to you about this blog where you said a small piece of paper is better then a diamond ring…we need to talk.”
The point is we should think small sometimes. Rather then big and overwhelming all the time. Getting frustrated, upset with your progress? Just look around. Is there some small thing you could start doing right now that would be in the right direction? Just start doing that, go small. You will feel much better that you are doing something rather then waiting around for the big thing. Who knows maybe after you have accumulated 10 small little things, the big thing will now longer be required?
Guy Reams
Great delivery. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the good effort.