The Micro Habit Effect of Personal and Professional Development

We tend to believe that it is only through gigantic work or extreme transformation that we can reach something meaningful. As a matter of fact, studies in psychology and behavioral science reveal the strength of micro-habits small and repeated actions which add up to large outcomes.

Micro habits are so effective because:

Ease of adoption:

Huge tasks such as reading a page, one paragraph, or 2 minutes of meditation become feasible. The barrier is low and makes the chances of practicing frequently more likely.

Compounding effect:

Small habits work in the same way as small financial investments do, as they grow over time with compound interest. A year of expertise can be gained in hundreds of hours of practice of skills in five minutes a day.

Positive reinforcement:

Micro-habits always come with confidence and boost the motivation, which becomes easier to achieve larger ambitions in the future.

Behavioral flexibility:

Experimentation is made possible in micro-habits without being too committed. They allow you to distinguish which of the routines actually helps in productivity, learning or a personal development.

Practical examples:

• Write one sentence a day on a long term project.
• Doing a 5 minutes walk every day to enhance physical and mental health.
• Taking two minutes to go over notes to enhance better memory.
• Engaging in a 3-5 minutes mindful breathing as a way of dealing with stress.

Conclusion:

Radical changes do not occur within a short period of time. Small steps that are carried out consistently will generate momentum that results in meaningful and sustainable growth in our lives personally and professionally.

Small daily gains even multiplied over a period of time usually yield much more than one previously anticipated.