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When it comes to changes, people are often mistaken to believe they’re only meaningful when they’re apparent. While this can be true, such shifts may be as quickly abandoned as they’re discerned. Regardless of how confident and excited people may seem about them, drastic changes can still be overwhelming. People can go from zero to a hundred in a snap but have difficulty preserving this scale.

Instead of going for dire, often forceful changes, they should opt for small, incremental ones. The power of small changes shouldn’t be disregarded. After all, no hundreds would exist without ones. Hence, if people aim for sustainability and permanence, quick and substantial changes might not be preferable. Change is good when it’s slow. One way of approaching this is by practicing trivial shifts that naturally become engraved in people’s routines.

Substantial Isn’t Always Instrumental

Change seems worth looking forward to when it’s extreme. When people think of it, they consider its potential overarching benefits. This is why change is suddenly so exciting, and they get ahead of themselves in planning how this should take place.

People often do too much too soon, a common mistake when it comes to making changes. They believe that forcing consequential adjustments will yield significant results. However, doing so much, especially over some time, can be exhausting. It’s a challenge to maintain, which puts it at a much higher risk of failing.

People can be impatient.

Let’s face it—most people are becoming snappy and restless, particularly when it comes to their needs and demands. This is due to how accessible and painlessly available most things have become today. People can look up whatever they want online and, with just one click, have it in their hands.

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Without a doubt, the world has gradually become a whirlwind, birthing fretful and eager individuals. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it’s still essential to remember that not everything comes fast and is best done quickly. Often, taking things slow, little by little, is the best way to go.

Such as in the case of change.

Small Change Is Still a Change

People seem to have a subconscious deadline they’re always chasing. Everything needs to be done quickly, and things must be achieved immediately. Perhaps, as people desire to have meaningful lives, they think they must do so as soon as possible. However, when it comes to upholding sustainable behavioral change, the power of small changes becomes critical. This process takes time.

Whether it’s regarding people’s health or the improvement of familial relationships, a familiar theme author Theresa Y. Wee M.D. discussed across two of her books revolves around the power of small changes. To most, these may seem inconsequential. These shifts are barely noticeable, and they seem to not matter. However, Theresa believes these small changes add up to significant and impactful results.

In fact, Atomic Habits author James Clear emphasizes this ideology in the book. He emphasizes that while big changes appear to be easily forgotten, small incremental changes are more effective. The power of small changes is that they promote more sustainable behaviors than bigger changes.

They may appear unnoticeable, but their impact will be significant. One day, people will wake up and realize how much their lives have improved, and they won’t even be able to pinpoint the changes in their lifestyles. The power of small changes is that they make these adjustments more natural and thus easy to maintain. They require less effort from people, making them less taxing throughout.

Unlocking the Power of Small Changes

There is power in that one percent. Looking at personal transformations from a general perspective, things will begin to feel intimidating. Instead of feeling empowered, people may hesitate to make a move. This is why people are constantly reminded to take things slow.

Small changes make significant improvements. Meaningful isn’t always equivalent to drastic. Little things matter just as much. Hence, here are a few tips to unlock the power of small changes.

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Opt For the Low-Hanging Fruit

Low-hanging doesn’t mean it’s insignificant. Nobody wants to aim for trivial matters. Instead, this means people have to start with change requiring the least effort and start to build up from there. This will not only avoid unnecessary pressure on people but will make change more enjoyable. Building up change rather than doing it one time will give people more energy and motivation. It reduces the stakes, making things a lot easier and more sustainable.

Create and Master a System

Once a goal has been set, it’s time to create a clear and concise system. This process should be easy to uphold—short and precise—to make things a lot easier. This makes the change of habit easier to digest and incorporate into people’s daily routines. The power of small changes is that they are gradual and much easier to integrate into life. A system will help ensure everything is thoroughly followed.

Keep Things Simple

Change doesn’t have to be drastic. The best things are simple. Hence, to ensure that things remain truly sustainable, they must be made simple. Take things slow. Break routines and practices into smaller, more practicable bits. Remember, it’s not necessary to do everything at once and aim for something too consequential. So pick the low-hanging fruit, break this down into smaller processes, and ensure that this turns into a concrete and concise system.

If you’re interested in maximizing the power of small changes, read what Theresa Y. Wee has to say about it. Grab a copy of her books My Covid-19 Diary and The Happy, Healthy Revolution!

Dr. Theresa Y. Wee, MD, is a dedicated pediatrician and wellness expert based in Hawaii, with over 40 years of experience in private practice. She is the author of "My COVID-19 Diary: Practical Tips and Scriptures for Improbable Times from an American Doctor," a memoir that blends her medical expertise with personal insights during the pandemic. Dr. Wee is passionate about promoting health in her community through initiatives like "Walk with a Doc – Oahu." As a mother of four, she shares valuable lessons on resilience, hope, and well-being, inspiring others to navigate life's challenges with faith and determination.
Theresa Wee

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