Section 1.1: Start Small for Lasting Change

To create a habit that sticks, begin with minuscule actions. Small habits are not only manageable but also sustainable. If your goal is to exercise, initiate a routine that you can maintain even after a grueling 14-hour workday or when feeling under the weather.

Essentially, your habit should be so minor that it can be performed under any circumstance. When the action is this simple, consistency boils down to remembering to do it daily. Setting a reminder on your phone can help keep you on track.

Nevertheless, the activity must hold some importance for you. Even if the task appears trivial, a lack of interest will hinder your commitment. For example, I developed a routine of drinking a glass of water post-workout. Initially, I found water unappealing, but I learned that staying hydrated significantly boosts productivity. Thus, valuing my efficiency became the motivation I needed to maintain this habit.

Your motivation doesn't need to be monumental; it simply has to be personal. When it comes to tiny habits, having any form of motivation is sufficient to sustain them.

Section 1.2: The Power of Determination

When motivation is high, it can compensate for a lack of ability. A fervent commitment to your goal can lead to success, as your mindset becomes one of "I will accomplish this, no matter what."

This unwavering determination is a rare trait, but if you possess it, you will undoubtedly persevere. As Will Smith famously stated, "I will not be out-worked, period. If we get on the treadmill together, there's two things: You're getting off first, or I'm going to die. It's really that simple."

This mentality is effective because persistence leads to skill acquisition. The phrase "die trying" signifies the peak of motivation, but a strong desire to succeed, coupled with manageable challenges, will suffice.

You don't need to sacrifice everything in pursuit of your goals; rather, you must be willing to give up certain comforts. When I realized my aspiration to become a writer, I was prepared to make significant sacrifices. I cut back on gaming, fiction reading, and television, and even reorganized my daily routine to prioritize writing.

However, I wasn't willing to compromise my core values or my relationships. In the initial months, I didn't fully grasp what being a writer entailed, allowing myself time to reflect and learn. It was a revelation to discover that writers, in fact, write!

Eventually, I committed to writing 400 words a day, five days a week. While it wasn't always easy, it was a manageable goal given my level of motivation.