Last year, I read more than 30 books about habits. I knew that making new habits is key to changing life. Regular exercise and a healthy diet were always a part of my New Year’s Resolutions. Last year, I was so determined to make positive changes in my lifestyle that I took a two-month break from work. I informed my clients that I wouldn’t be available until March.

Each day, I started the day with meditation, read a book, and cooked meals at home. Hooray! I felt like I finally made healthy new habits. Research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. I made the mark. However, once I returned to my regular work, I snapped back to my old habits, no exercise and ordering food delivery.

Among all the books I read on habits, the idea of mini-habits from Stephen Guise grabbed my attention. I liked that he emphasizes minimizing neurological and biological resistance – our mind and body’s tendency to stay in default mode. When we try to change, both our mind and body resist, as if they are saying “Just be you. Why the sudden change?” Motivation and willpower are overrated. We need to start with mini-habits that are easy and demand little motivation or willpower.

Here is the gist of the weight loss tips I learned from Stephen Guise’s book, Mini Habits for Weight Loss: Stop Dieting. Form New Habits.

1. Start an exercise mini-habit! (e.g., 1 push-up a day)
2. Cook one meal at home. Find a quick and easy cooking routine. (e.g., egg breakfast, stir-fry dishes).
3. Add healthy foods to your diet! No need to ban any food.
4. Keep track of your mini-habits.
5. Reward yourself for your success.

My Habit-tracking Jar: One kitty pin for One thing for me a day

This idea of mini-habits inspired my One Thing for Me a Day idea. Today, I felt heavy and woke up around noon. Although I have been riding my stationary bike for 30 minutes lately, I wasn’t sure I could do it today. I got on the bike anyway, thinking ‘I will just do it for 10 minutes.’ Once I got started, it seemed easier than I thought. Eventually, I did it for 30 minutes as usual. The exercise boosted my mood and I read a book and wrote a new blog article as I have done for the last four days.

Please like my page and find your own inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/pg/onethingformeaday/

Inspiring Quote: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks one, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times” – Bruce Lee