One Small Step Can Change Your Life

There’s a part of our brain called the amygdala which controls our fight-or-flight response. It alerts parts of our bodies to respond to danger. Unfortunately, the amygdala sets off those alarm bells whenever we want to escape our usual safe routines, even if there is no danger.

As a result, the number one show stopper to achieving our dreams is fear. Instead of spending years in counseling trying to understand what’s causing those fears, take small, comfortable steps to go around those fears.

The Japanese call this process “The Kaizen Way”. Set small, easily achievable goals such as picking up and storing just one paper clip on a chronically messy desk. This lets you tiptoe right past the amygdala, keeping it asleep and unable to set off alarm bells.

As the small steps continue, you gradually lay down new nerve pathways and build new habits. You change your thought process so subtly that eventually you are moving toward your ultimate goal at a pace that exceeds your expectations.

So ask yourself, “If I were guaranteed not to fail, what would I be doing differently?” Then once a day ask yourself, “What is one small step I could take towards reaching that goal.” This can be as simple as moving a paper clip. But most importantly, you’re taking action.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step.” - Lao Tzu

Source: One Small Step by Robert Maurer