Tiny Habits
Tiny Habits, Massive Results is a phrase that emphasizes the power of making small, consistent changes in our habits to achieve significant and long-lasting results. The concept was popularized by Stanford behavior scientist Dr. BJ Fogg, who developed the Tiny Habits® method.
The premise behind this approach is that by focusing on small, manageable actions and integrating them into our daily routines, we can create lasting positive changes. The key is to start with tiny habits that are easy to do and require minimal effort. By doing so, we bypass the resistance and overwhelm often associated with larger changes.
The principles of Tiny Habits are to anchor the habit, start small, celebrate success, and build momentum.
Anchor the habit
Associate the new habit with an existing routine or action. For example, if you want to start flossing your teeth regularly, you can anchor it to brushing your teeth.
Start small
Break down the habit into its smallest possible version. Instead of committing to flossing all your teeth, start with flossing just one tooth. This makes it easier to initiate the habit.
Celebrate success
After completing the tiny habit, celebrate and reinforce the positive behavior. This can be as simple as saying “I did it!” or giving yourself a small reward. The celebration helps to reinforce the habit and make it more automatic over time.
Build momentum
Once the tiny habit becomes automatic, gradually increase its scope or intensity. For example, you can expand from flossing one tooth to flossing a whole section of your mouth.
The idea is that these small habits create a positive domino effect. As you successfully integrate one tiny habit into your routine, it becomes easier to add more tiny habits over time. Eventually, these small changes accumulate and lead to significant results in the long run.
By focusing on tiny habits, you make positive behavior changes more accessible and sustainable. The key is consistency and patience. Over time, these small steps can lead to massive results in various areas of life, such as health, productivity, personal development, and more.
I interviewed Jaishree Nenwani in 2020 on happiness. She has written a new book Tiny Habits Massive Results. I catch up with her and talk to her about the book.
Welcome back, Jaishree, what is new and exciting in your life since our last interview?
Hi Jerry, Thank you for having me again on your amazing blog. I just love reading your posts.
Life has been quite happening in the past few years. My blog GetSetHappy has gained good traction over these years (Thankfully! I am so grateful to the universe and my readers for their support).
I also published my first paperback book Tiny Habits Massive Results, which is like achieving a milestone for me.
Talk to me about your book Tiny Habits Massive Results.
No one in the world is untouched by problems, I am no different. Several years back I faced a serious health issue (a sort of spinal cord disorder) that forced me to leave my corporate job and sit at home. That was a turning point in my life. I was at a zero level in all areas of my life- Health, career, money, relationships. But as it is said- every obstacle brings a new opportunity- it gives us a chance to look at life from a different perspective. This made me take a pause and look at life from a different angle.
Tiny Habits Massive Results’ is a nutshell of my journey. The book primarily talks about certain habits that helped me overcome the major challenges of my life (health, being the most prominent of all, though I am still recovering). I have penned down those 7 (plus a pro habit) habits in the book. I have also discussed how one can adapt and sustain those habits for improving their life in all aspects.
Is this your first book? How was the process?
Yes! This is my first paperback book. Though I wrote a few small eBooks before this one, I am not really counting those.
The process of writing wasn’t too difficult, as I am a blogger and most importantly I enjoy writing. But the publishing part was a bit straining. Initially, I had no one to guide me. I didn’t know any publisher, and with so many of them offering a variety of additional services, it was so confusing for me to decide which one to choose. But as we say – Just start somewhere and you will find the way. Slowly and steadily things become smoother and the whole process becomes easier. But overall, I enjoyed the entire experience.
Do you find writing cathartic?
Absolutely! 200%. In my book, one of the habits that I have mentioned is- Journaling ( a form of writing). When you write (in a journal or computer or even a blog) you are letting the extra baggage out of your mind. This is like an emotional release – it’s therapeutic. So, writing has helped me a lot to process my emotions, let go of what doesn’t serve me anymore, and release the negative thoughts that I have been holding for a long time.
You have a blog, and are an author, what is next on the horizon?
Ahh. I had never thought I would start a blog. I had never thought I would publish a book, So as of now I don’t have any plans. I would let life unfold itself.
