Zero to 1: Want More Motivation? Do Less (Seriously)
In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain, only to watch it roll back down each time.
This ancient tale captures our modern struggle: we dream of grand achievements, only to face a maze of complexity and doubt. The endless tasks, the uncertain path, the nagging "will it even work?", all conspire to paralyze us.
Like Sisyphus's boulder, our ambitions roll back before we even begin, leaving us trapped in a cycle of planning rather than doing.
When our goals feel Herculean, we often become overwhelmed before we even begin.
But what if pushing the boulder isn't about strength at all?
What if the secret isn't trying harder or trying to do big things, but starting smaller?
3 INSIGHTS
I.
Pick ONE TINY action toward your goal—make it ridiculously small. If you're thinking, "That's too easy," you're on the right track.
II.
Create a very SIMPLE action plan. For example:
Want to write a book? Commit to writing one sentence after your morning coffee
What to get in shape? Do one pushup after brushing teeth
Meditation goal? Take one conscious breath after sitting down at your desk
III.
The key is consistency, not intensity. Attach your tiny action to an existing daily habit (like brushing teeth or making coffee). This "habit stacking" makes the new behavior almost automatic.
Success builds confidence, and confidence fuels motivation.
Welcome to the Motivation First model, The Science of Starting Small, officially known as The Fogg Method.
4 QUOTES
I.
"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned." - Peter Marshall
II.
"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." - Confucius
III.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Lao Tzu
IV.
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh
1 QUESTION
What's the smallest possible step you could take right now towards a goal that you've wanted to accomplish?