Why Embracing Change Is the Fast Track to Growth

Most of us say we want change, but the thought of overhauling our entire routine feels too big—so we stay stuck. Katie used to dread exercise because she imagined grueling hour-long gym sessions. Instead, she started with one push-up each morning. After two days it felt habitual. By day five she was naturally doing five push-ups—and proud of it. When she realized how easy beginning small was, Katie applied the same strategy to healthier eating. She swapped her afternoon candy bar for a handful of almonds. Each tiny win bubbled her confidence so she began carving out predictable time for a 10-minute walk after dinner. She didn’t even notice these changes felt “uncomfortable”—they became part of her story. Behavioral science calls this “habit stacking”: linking new behaviors to existing routines to lower the activation energy. Instead of fearing a radical overhaul, Katie’s micro-shifts created forward momentum. Within a month, she felt more energetic and in control—proof that embracing change doesn’t require giant leaps, just small, consistent steps.

Tonight, pick one small habit you’d like to adopt. Maybe one push-up or swapping a snack for fruit. Schedule it immediately after something you already do—brushing your teeth, pouring coffee, or setting your alarm. Each evening, check off a box on a paper calendar. Watch the chain grow, and build on that momentum tomorrow.