28/01/2025
I recently listened to a podcast from https://www.thecpo.co.uk/ and something the host said really stuck with me, “If you want to make a change that lasts, it has to be rooted in something you care deeply about.”
Whether it’s improving your health, changing careers, or pursuing something meaningful, the idea of making “all or nothing” changes can feel overwhelming.
But what if sustainable change starts with something small?
For me, I've created a habit of smiling at people and making eye contact when I’m out and about. It’s a small shift but it helps me live out my value of connection.
It also reminds me that we never really know what someone else is going through. People might seem aloof or grumpy or they may just be lost in thought - that is something I’m definitely guilty of!
I’ve noticed that when I smile, most people smile back, creating a brief moment of positivity for both of us.
Take a client of mine – James. He was feeling stuck, overwhelmed at work, stressed and disconnected from the person he wanted to be.
His values of autonomy and respect were being neglected. Through our work, he realised that to show up as his best self, he needed to prioritise his well-being.
We focused on small, sustainable changes:
👍 Taking a short daily walk, even on busy days.
👍 Setting aside 5–10 minutes just to breathe, whenever he was feeling anxious or stressed
👍 Creating a time boundary around limiting work laptop use on weekends.
These might seem like small steps, but they aligned deeply with his value of autonomy and being in control of his wellbeing.
The podcast also touched on how perfectionism can hold us back. James struggled with this, too, often thinking, If I can’t do this perfectly, is it even worth it?
Sound familiar?
We reframed this mindset to focus on progress, not perfection.
We often believe we need to have everything figured out before starting but the truth is you don’t need to go big right away.
Instead ask yourself:
👍 What truly matters to me?
👍 What small step can I take today that aligns with that?
Maybe it’s scheduling a daily walk, setting aside five minutes to breathe, or saying “no” to something draining.
There is fascinating research that shows we’re more likely to stick to new habits if we:
👍 Start early in the day: Tackling that new habit before other priorities take over can make a huge difference.
👍Celebrate every win: Even the tiniest wins deserve recognition. Whether you share it with a friend, jot it in a journal, or simply pause to acknowledge your effort, celebrating helps release dopamine - the brain’s “feel good” chemical and reinforces the habit.
Lasting change doesn’t have to be massive. It’s not about running a marathon tomorrow; it’s about putting your trainers on and going for a walk today.
What’s one small step you can take toward meaningful and sustainable change?
I’d love to hear - what’s your one small step?
