Have you heard of the compound effect? It’s when small actions build up over time, creating a massive change.
Sometimes in life, when we have the desire to make a significant change, the urge is so strong that we want to get from here to there in record time.
But when you start to look at the whole picture, your initial enthusiasm can quickly wane as the realisation of what you need to do to get there becomes overwhelming.
In this article, we want to get you in the headspace to kickstart that compound effect. Read on and with any luck, you’ll be inspired to make the change.
Overcoming Unrealistic Expectations
Health wise, whether you want to get over a chronic illness, lose weight or sleep better, you probably want that improvement so intensely that you “JUST WANT TO GET THERE NOW”.
But this is often an unrealistic expectation, and all too easily, that initial flash of inspiration for transformation fizzles into nothing as the journey seems too huge, too fraught with pitfalls, and way too time-consuming.
Now it appears unobtainable, and it feels easier to revert to business as usual, sticking to what’s familiar as you placate yourself with thoughts of “I’ll start tomorrow” or “maybe it’s not for me” or “I’ll never be able to do it.”
Compounding is a technique you can use for any personal goals, and that includes being healthy. It can be a more realistic and far less overwhelming way of tackling an issue. You’re also far more likely to succeed as you put more realistic aims and time frames in place.
Depending on where you’re at health wise, and what’s going on in your world, wanting to make changes to live a healthier lifestyle can be daunting. When you’re in this frame of mind, the trick is to take baby steps, initially changing just one thing.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing; it can be a small thing. But whatever action you decide to take, it must be doable and easily incorporated into your day. The idea is that once you take that action consistently every day, over time, your health will massively benefit.
There will be a ripple effect, with this small change leading to another, and another and another.
On Noticing Little Improvements
Take just one example: you might not have the best diet, lacking fresh fruit or vegetables. But what if you decided to eat an apple every day? What unexpected and unseen changes to your health might you experience?
You might find that just by eating that one apple you go to the toilet more regularly, and it feels more satisfying when you do. Maybe you feel a little less bloated and more comfortable.
Once you notice these little improvements and the way they make you feel, it might cause you to want to try something else alongside eating your daily apple.
Maybe after you include that small something else, you’ll notice that your complexion looks a little better, or your energy has increased just enough that you feel inspired to take a 10-minute walk every day. And so it continues.
Get the point?
If this article speaks to you and you’re considering what you could change to feel healthier, what would it be?
Maybe you’ll swap out your sugary morning elevensies for that apple and a small handful of nuts, or you’ll get up 15 minutes earlier every morning and start your day with a short meditation. Perhaps you’ll decide to stop using your laptop or smartphone for an hour before bedtime each day, and read or do some gentle stretches instead.
Whatever it is that you decide to do, remember to have realistic expectations, make the actions doable, be kind to yourself and enjoy the process.
Compounding is a technique you can use for any personal goals, and that includes being healthy.
Via Water for Health