Why Tiny Habits Lead to Big Wins
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” It sounds silly, but it’s a great reminder that big goals aren’t accomplished in one giant leap—they’re reached through small, steady steps.
That’s the heart of something called the 1% Rule—the idea that improving by just 1% each day adds up to huge growth over time. Instead of trying to change everything overnight (which usually leads to burnout), you focus on small, consistent actions that stick. This approach is backed by science and helps you build lasting habits without feeling overwhelmed.
The Power of Small, Daily Habits
Reading 10 pages of a book each day, taking a 20-minute walk, or drinking a glass of water in the morning might not seem like life-changing actions. But these tiny wins start to build momentum. They give you a sense of accomplishment that fuels motivation and confidence.
This is known as the compound effect—the idea that small choices, repeated daily, add up over time. You don’t need a complete life overhaul. Just keep showing up, doing something manageable each day. Eventually, those small steps lead to big results.
The Science Behind Habit Formation
Here’s where the brain comes in: when you repeat a behavior often enough, your basal ganglia—the part of your brain responsible for habits—takes over. The more you practice, the more automatic the habit becomes. That’s why brushing your teeth doesn’t require motivation—it’s already wired in.
And the same can happen with other habits you want to create: stretching, journaling, eating more veggies, drinking more water. The more consistent you are, the easier it gets.
What Is Habit Stacking?
One way to make habit-building easier is through habit stacking—linking a new habit to something you already do. For example, while waiting for your coffee to brew in the morning, you could write down one thing you’re grateful for or drink your first glass of water.
In this way, you can establish more positive patterns—and even replace older patterns that no longer serve you. Bit by bit, your new routine begins to feel natural, like second nature.
Progress Over Perfection
Let’s be real: you won’t do it perfectly every day. And that’s okay. Building better habits is about progress, not perfection. If you miss a day, just start again the next. One off-day doesn’t cancel your progress—what matters is that you keep showing up.
The Bottom Line: One Bite at a Time
So if you’ve got a big goal on your heart, don’t feel like you need to tackle it all at once. Start small. Be consistent. Stack your habits. Build momentum. And most importantly—give yourself grace along the way.
Because real change doesn’t happen all at once. It happens slowly, quietly, one small step at a time.
Just like eating an elephant—one bite at a time.
If today’s message resonated with you, you’ll find even more to explore in “ASCEND: Unlock Your Potential and Rise with Purpose” by Willie Johnson.
In this powerful read, Willie shares insights drawn from years of leadership—from his service in the U.S. Army to his success in corporate America. Through personal stories and practical guidance, he introduces the ASCEND Framework: a step-by-step approach to building a more purposeful, successful life.
Whether you’re navigating change, setting new goals, or simply looking for direction, this book offers the tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Take the next step—give “ASCEND: Unlock Your Potential and Rise with Purpose” a read.