In the past 20 years that we’ve been training and coaching NLP we have met, helped, trained and shared with many thousands of people all over the world. One common theme that we’ve seen is that people often expect an instant result by implementing one tool, or going to one training, or reading one book.
I think one of my clients and students from a few years ago had it right – his intention was to create incremental change. Baby steps. He knew that the BIG BANG of change might not be a lasting change. Take for example the many people who do a fad-type diet and lose a lot of weight quickly. How many of those people do you think actually keep off the weight? Practically none. Now compare that to someone who changes their habits of food and exercise and consistently reduces their weight one kilogram at a time. This person will be much more likely to not only keep the weight off, but to keep their new lifestyle and choices.
For long lasting change – it’s the little things that matter. And many little things can add up to something quite extraordinary.
When working on a project – the difference that makes the difference isn’t getting the project done, its writing the plan and completing the steps.
When losing weight, the difference that makes the difference is making choices every moment of the day that align your behaviour to your intentions.
When starting your own business, the difference that makes the difference are all the tiny, miniscule steps that move you to accomplishing your goal.
When you are planning your day, ask yourself – what are the little things that you can do that can make the biggest difference.