Don't Underestimate the Power of a Small Change
Over the past 18 months I have been exercising quite regularly; currently, five or six times a week.
I have a simple workout area with a bench and dumbbells, nothing fancy; and while I change up my routines from time to time, there's no getting away from some of the basic movements, like squats or bench press.
A couple of days ago, was another chest day, but this time, I made a small, almost insignificant change in the movement and it made an incredible difference. It was the best chest sets I've done, and I've done hundreds.
And it struck me how such a small change could make such a huge impact. All I did was adjust the angle of my arms on the eccentric phase or downward motion of the exercise. The casual observer may not be able to see the difference, but I sure felt it.
This recent experience serves to remind me, and why I'm reminding you, that even a small change can make a huge difference in your life.
Why a small change matters!
1) We can all use a win. If you're feeling restless, like you're in a rut, or feeling like you're not making progress in a particular area of your life, a win can be encouraging and motivating to keep going.
2) A small change is doable almost immediately. If you've been sedentary for the past month, year or decade, you're not going to run a marathon tomorrow..at least I don't advise it. But you can go for a walk. You can drink more water. You can reduce your sugar intake, or you can go buy a pair of running shoes.
3) One small change can lead to more. Whenever a new client books a session with me, during our first meeting I often will ask, "What has changed since you booked the appointment?" While not the anticipated question, invariably they will tell me something else has changed in their life. It may be small, or seemingly unrelated to why they contacted me in the first place, butI don't think it's a coincidence. I believe a small change can cause another and another, and before you know it, you have momentum and making real progress.
One of my favourite therapists is Bill O'Hanlon who wrote, "Do One Thing Different" among others. I love his solution-focused approach which helps get people unstuck quickly and expereince positive change.
If there was one situation you are currently facing, one you'd like to see improve, be it a relationship with a friend or family member, your health, finances or career, what is one thing...one small step you can take?
Keep it simple...doable and repeatable.
Do one thing different.
For the win!
Not sure you can do this on your own? I'd love to chat, so schedule a call (no obligation). Maybe that's the small change you need to make today.