About 10 years ago, I discovered the key to unlocking any change in your life. I had the honor of meeting the author of one of the most influential books I have ever read about 10 years ago. He created the cornerstone material for what I think to be they key to any kind of change. The book is available on many platforms and it’s titled “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson.
His philosophy is simply that success happens through the small, seemingly unimportant tasks done consistently over time. A perfect example for me is one that he used to illustrate this idea. He says a lot of people want to write a book, but most never get started. Clearly, in order to have a remote chance of achieving a goal, you just begin somewhere. It only took ten years to begin applying his advice about actually writing a book. Jeff advised to break it down into small chunks, something simple that could be built upon. The Slight Edge told me to write a page and a half every day without exception and in a year there will be a book. The idea of writing an entire book is daunting but if taken into its smallest component it becalmed doable. This philosophy can be transferred to anything. A lot of people want to lose an ideal number of pounds, but need to start by learning how to lose one at a time.
I am happy to announce that I have been doing my page and a half commitment and am getting to the end quicker than if I never would’ve at least started somewhere. The momentum has begun to accumulate and not only am I getting it done, but also a becoming a better writer though the repetition. Any skill or activity practiced consistently becomes better. The key is to do it regularly. Larry Bird, legend basketball player, said that most people see his championship game. Yet, most don”t know about him practicing free throws every day for many hours. It is in the daily activity, no matter how small, where growth happens.
My challenge to you is to think of your goal. What is your page and a half? Place it in the comments below, hold yourself accountable in a public way, and let’s work together as a community to figure out what activities you can begin today to get there. Let’s do it together!!
