One thing I’ve learned over the years, both personally and through coaching, is this: lasting change rarely comes from big, dramatic overhauls. Believe me. I’ve tried that way lots of times and each time I failed and lost the momentum.
It usually starts with something small.
As I began organizing my surroundings over the past few weeks, I noticed something interesting. The small wins created momentum. One drawer led to another. One decision made the next feel easier.
There’s a reason for that. Our brain is designed to keep us safe and comfortable. It prefers what is familiar. When we try to change everything at once, the brain can respond with resistance, hesitation, or even shutdown.
This doesn’t mean we’re weak or unmotivated. It means our brain is doing its job.
When we work with the brain instead of against it, change becomes more sustainable.
Here are a few ways to do that:
- Choose one focus. Not five. One habit, one routine, one area to improve.
- Attach new habits to familiar ones. Pair something new with something you already do. This helps the brain feel secure.
- Value consistency over intensity. Small steps repeated over time build strong neural pathways.
“Whoever is faithful in little is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10
God often works through the small and faithful steps. Progress does not have to be loud to be meaningful. If you notice that I’m repeating some of the same tips, you’re absolutely correct. I’m doing it on purpose. We don’t retain everything we hear. When we hear things repeatedly, that’s when our brains can start accepting new information and start committing it to memory. It takes repetitions (actually about 67 times to create new neural pathways in the brain).
Your turn:
What’s one small shift you’d like to make this month? Or maybe you’ve already started making a change that you’re working into a new habit or routine. Reply and let me know. I’d love to help you celebrate!
