How to Build Micro Habits
Navigating self-improvement can be daunting in a digital landscape filled with conflicting advice from social media “experts.” It’s tempting to think massive 180 changes are the only way to feel better, but this approach often isn’t sustainable.
At MicroPower, we believe in sparking positive change through small, simple actions that the whole family can adopt. While results may not be immediate, consistent micro habits can lead to profound and lasting transformations over time.
So, what are these “micro habits” and how can we incorporate them into our daily lives? Let’s dive in!
What Are Micro Habits?
Micro habits, similar to “atomic habits,” a term coined by author James Clear, are subtle but rich changes that compound over time to produce life-changing results. These micro habits are rooted in the principle that consistency is more important than intensity.
What makes micro habits so beneficial and effective is their simplicity. They are much easier to maintain over the long term and have a cumulative impact
Step 1: Identify Your Goals
Start by identifying what you want to achieve. Your goals should be specific and clear. Instead of a vague goal like "eat healthy," aim for something precise like "improve my mineral intake" or “eat three high protein meals throughout the day.”
Be Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish.
Be Realistic: Ensure your goals are attainable.
Be Relevant: Align your goals with your values and priorities.
As always, it’s important to discuss health goals with a wellness provider to discover what works best for your body.
Step 2: Break Down Your Goals into Micro Habits
Once you have a clear goal, break it down into the smallest possible actions. These micro habits should be so easy that you can't say no to them.
If your goal is to improve your mineral intake, you can start with our favorite micro habit: sprinkle a 1/2 teaspoon of Pure Microgreen Powder on dinner every day!
Step 3: Create a Trigger
A trigger is a prompt that reminds you to perform your micro habit. It should be something that fits naturally into your routine, ensuring you don't forget to do your habit. Your trigger can be:
Time-Based: Sprinkle some greens powder on your food at dinnertime every day.
Activity-Based: Take your microgreen capsules immediately after you work out.
Location-Based: Leave your capsules on your bedside table and take them when you first wake up each morning.
Step 4: Practice the Four Laws to Stay Consistent
The key to success with micro habits is starting small and sticking to it. Don't try to do too much at once. Focus on making a single micro habit a regular part of your day before you expand to multiple changes. In Atomic Habits, James Clear outlines the Four Laws of Behavior Change to build in a consistent change:
Make It Obvious: To form a new habit, it needs to be impossible to forget. Design your environment to support your habits, as mentioned in Step 3.
Make It Attractive: Habits need to be appealing to stick. Clear emphasizes the importance of associating positive emotions with your habits and using temptation bundling (pairing an action you want to do with one you need to do).
Make It Easy: The easier a habit is, the more likely you are to do it. Reduce friction (the obstacles that make habits harder) and using the two-minute rule (committing to starting a habit for just two minutes).
Make It Satisfying Immediate rewards help reinforce habits. Track your habits and reward yourself to create a sense of satisfaction. After you take your morning greens, you get that delicious latte you’ve been craving since yesterday!
Step 5: Anticipate and Overcome Obstacles
Expect obstacles and plan for them. Life can be unpredictable, and there will be days when sticking to your habits is challenging. Have a plan for how to get back on track.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Plan for Breaks: Allow yourself to skip a day occasionally without guilt.
Simplify: If you're struggling, reduce the habit further until it feels manageable again.
Seek Support: Share your goals with a friend or join a community for accountability.
8. Reflect and Adjust
Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your habits as needed. This reflection helps ensure that your habits continue to serve your goals and fit into your lifestyle.
Reflection Practices:
Weekly Review: Assess your habits and progress each week.
Adjust Goals: Modify your habits if they're not working or if your goals change.
Celebrate Progress: Recognize how far you've come and appreciate the effort you’ve put in.
Building micro habits is a practical and effective way to create lasting positive changes. By starting small, staying consistent, and gradually scaling up, you can transform your routines and achieve your goals. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, a single micro habit. Start today and watch the positive changes unfold over time.
And of course, don’t forget to get your greens! Shop our family-owned and grown microgreens.
