Happy May!
To support you in being F.I.R.S.T. (Future-Ready. Innovative. Relevant. Strategic. Trusted.), here’s 1 tip and 1 quote.
The F.I.R.S.T. Tip
Can you believe it’s already May?
The year is moving fast, and we’re now well into the second quarter! This is a great time to pause and reflect: Am I staying on track with my goals?
Maybe you started the year with big aspirations—getting healthier, being more productive, or making a career move. But as life got busier, those ambitious plans may have taken a backseat.
If you’re feeling off track, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a fresh start—just small, daily actions that build momentum.
Why Big Goals Often Fall Apart
Think back to a time when you set a big goal. Did you start with enthusiasm, only to struggle to sustain it?
The problem isn’t motivation—it’s relying too much on willpower instead of habits.
Studies show over 40% of daily actions are based on habit, not conscious decision-making (Duke University, 2006). That means success isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about making small changes automatic.
The 1% Shift: Why Small Wins Matter More Than Big Changes
Instead of feeling guilty about what hasn’t worked, focus on just 1% improvement each day.
Try this:
- Instead of “I’ll read one book a month,” say: “I’ll read one page before bed.”
- Instead of “I’ll be more productive,” say: “Before I check emails, I’ll write my top priority for the day.”
- Instead of “I’ll wake up earlier,” say: “I’ll place my alarm across the room.”
Small shifts remove resistance and make habits stick—not for weeks, but for good.
How to Make Small Habits Stick
Starting new habits is tough, but here’s how to make them effortless:
✅ Keep it small.
If you want to exercise, start with just 5 minutes. You’ll be surprised how quickly 5 minutes turns into 10, then 20.
✅ Attach your habit to something you already do.
This is called habit stacking. Example: After I pour my morning coffee, I’ll write my top priority for the day.
✅ Get an Accountability Buddy.
Share your goal with a friend or a community. Not only does shared accountability keep you on track, but celebrating small wins together makes the journey more enjoyable.
Bonus: Track Wins & Remove Resistance
- Track small wins.
Seeing progress, even in tiny steps, builds motivation. Marking an “X” on a calendar or using a habit tracker keeps you going. - Make it so easy you can’t fail.
If you want to write more, begin with one sentence. If you want to work out, start with five push-ups. The easier it is, the harder it is to skip.
From Awareness to Action
May is a great time for a reset—not by starting over, but by making small adjustments to stay on course.
But even with good habits, we still face procrastination, decision fatigue, and mental resistance.
Why do we delay tasks, even when they matter?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in our next edition: the hidden science behind procrastination—and how to beat it.
The F.I.R.S.T. Quote
