“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step.” -Lao Tzu
The average person makes the same resolution for ten years without success of achieving it. Within four months, 25 percent of resolutions are abandoned. And those who succeed in keeping their resolutions usually do so only after five or six annual broken promises.
Our lives are homeostatic systems — it will constantly want to self-regulate to align with what is comfortable to maintain stability. Our bodies are also not built to absorb and implement radical changes overnight. Small actions, consistently done over time, have their effects compounded over time.
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear demonstrates how helpful marginal gains can be. By aiming for 1% better every day you can be 37 times better by the end of the year. “Improving by 1 percent isn’t particularly notable– sometimes it isn’t even noticeable– but it can be far more meaningful, especially in the long run. The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding. Here’s how the math works out: if you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done. Conversely, if you get 1 percent worse each day for one year, you’ll decline nearly down to zero. What starts as a small win or minor setback accumulates into something much more.”
To make small changes viable James Clear suggest you follow the 4 laws of changing behaviours. Make the change obvious, attractive, easy to do, and satisfying.
Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.
“For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice . . .” (ESV) Zechariah says, because one day the small will no longer be small.
During this time, the children of Israel had returned to Jerusalem after 70 years in exile in Babylon but had neglected to take care of God’s house – it was in ruins. Instead, they had made themselves comfortable in their perfectly panelled homes.
God’s direction to rebuild the Temple was clear, but the children of Israel lacked the motivation and heart to get the job done. They needed a fresh perspective on their future hope. And as they renewed their minds in the promises of God and the glory of His plans and purposes, they repented and rallied together to continue the work they had begun.
And just like the children of Israel, when we feel defeated and believe the lie that our humble beginnings cannot accomplish much, remember God rejoices when we trust Him to start the work, He has prepared for us to do.
I conclude with these words by Manual Corazzari – “The way to change the entire world starts with a small baby step.”