May is almost here! Can you believe it? Only yesterday it seems we were making our New Year’s Resolutions and looking forward to making changes in our lives.
If you made resolutions, how are you going with those? If you haven’t made much progress then don’t feel too disheartened. You aren’t alone! A study from the University of Scranton showed that 92% of people don’t achieve their New Year goals.
I stopped making NY Resolutions a couple of years ago, because as research shows, I started off with great intentions and plans, only to have them fall by the wayside. Life and other excuses kept getting in the way – or so I told myself.
I’ve written before that quick fixes aren’t the answer.
We might as well face it – living a healthy lifestyle or working towards our goals mean LONGTERM LIFESTYLE CHANGES – A Life Plan.
So now we are into May and if you want to make changes in your life, but are struggling then why not join me for Microstepping in May!
It is easier than you think and will help you make the changes you want in life – in health, relationships and purpose.
Microstepping in May
What is Microstepping?
I came across the term Microstep in an article in Thrive Global. It was referring to a Microstep Month back in January and I thought “Why not do our own Microstepping in May?”.
Microstepping is something we can do at anytime not just in January for New Year Resolutions.
After reading the article I realised that Microsteps are another way to describe ‘Baby steps’ to change habits and achieve our goals. I love the term Micro – meaning small, Steps – meaning moving forward.
Research from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania shows that the idea of milestones such as New Year or perhaps a birthday or career change can be a catalyst for change. It is called the ‘fresh start affect’ which can show positive results which are “large in magnitude” and have “meaningful implications for individual and societal welfare.”
As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones explains, if you are having trouble with achieving your goals, the problem isn’t you it is your system. His ‘two-minute rule’ is all about working up to the goal rather than trying to achieve it all at once.
Stephen Guise, states in his book ‘Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Bigger Results’ that he started his fitness journey with one pushup.
The idea is to start with a mini habit, a very small positive behavior that you force yourself to do every day; its “too small to fail” .
It is all about building on the small wins until eventually it becomes a positive habit. I recently wrote about Getting off Auto-Pilot & Taking back Control. Being more mindful of what we do and asking ourselves if it is good for us or if we need to remove it from our life.
Auto-pilot can be a positive thing if we are building habits for a healthier and happier lifestyle.
The Microstep in May Challenge
- Choose one thing that you want to change in your life. It can be anything – health, lifestyle, a goal you have been wanting to achieve.
- Take the Microstep challenge and break the change you want to make down to it’s simplist form.
- Join the FREE Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond – Let’s Thrive Facebook Group and actively check-in and comment on your progress.
Throughout May, I will be providing tips and insights into how we can all use Microstepping to create the life we want.
30 Comments
This is a perfect challenge for May. I look forward to joining you and reading more!
Thanks Donna, I had no idea what I would do for May and then I read an article which gave me the inspiration!
This sounds great Sue, I love the idea of breaking things down to its simplest form.
Hi Deb, As I wrote in the response to Donna, I had no idea about a theme for May and then I was reading an article about Microsteps and thought it would be perfect for May. It will promote change in any area of our life. Hope you enjoy it. xx
Sharing for #lifethisweek Sue 🙂
Thanks my friend 🙂
This seems like a good idea as I struggle with challenges and maybe breaking my challenge into baby steps would help me
Hi Vicki let’s work together and help you achieve your challenge. Have a great month and remember YOU CAN DO THIS! x
Hi Sue I love the term micro stepping. At the moment I’m thinking of goals for the next 12 weeks, so this pist is very timely. Looking forward to joining you for microstepping in May
Hi Jen, yes I loved the term and it sounds better than ‘baby steps’ doesn’t it? If we break the challenge or goal down into smaller steps each time we achieve them we have a win plus they are doable and we can build on that foundation. x
Hi Sue, I like the term, microstepping. Small and moving forward, “two minutes” equals doable. I look forward to reading May’s tips and insights and joining in:) Erica
Yes it is a great way to approach any challenge, Erica and as you say ‘two minutes’ equals doable. Looking forward to you joining in and don’t forget to leave some comments in the FB group with your progress. xx
I like this idea. Good one.
Thanks Lydia I hope you can join in. Have a great week!
This is such a great idea. I think small steps can make a big (and lasting) difference!
Thanks Sammie, I’m hoping it will help people make some changes in their lives that they have found challenging in the past. Have a great week! x
A very good idea, Sue. Start with baby steps and they add up to a big distance. I look forward to reading more #lifethisweek
Hi Natalie, it makes achieving any goal so much easier so I’m hoping people will see results. Have a great week. xx
I hadn’t heard of MicroStepping so thanks for the enlightening post. I think it’s a great idea!
Hi Di, yes I usually call them ‘baby steps’ but microstepping sounds better. If we take small steps and then take the wins when we achieve them, before long we have reached out goal! Have a great week and glad you liked the idea. x
Well, judging from the comments, it looks like you’re onto a good thing here. I think we all cope better with doing new stuff (and stuff we that we know is good for us but isn’t always easy!) in small increments – rather than trying to tackle it in one big leap. I’m working at dropping a few kilos atm and it’s definitely a small step thing – maybe I can tick a couple of kilos off over May?
Hi Leanne, small steps and weight loss are definitely the way to go. I see all of these adverts for ‘Lose 20kgs in two weeks’ or something ridiculous like that and I shake my head in disgust. Sure you might lose weight fast because your are starving yourself but it will come back on just as quickly when you start eating again. Making lifestyle changes is the answer I believe. Let’s put some Microsteps in place for you!
I love the concept of micro steps, Sue, it makes the change understandable, attainable and certainly improves the probability that we’ll accomplish them. It’s more realistic, too. Looking forward to your posts this month!
Hi Candi, I’ve always used this method to achieve my goals. I called them Baby Steps but whatever we call them, we are more successful building our foundation with smaller ‘wins’ rather than trying to do everything at once and becoming overwhelmed. x
Little steps are so attainable.Well-done to you for finding a new way to encourage change where people are wanting to do so.
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is Taking Stock 18/51. Hope you can join in and link up. Denyse.
Hi Denyse, thanks for that I had a moment of inspiration on Sunday for May’s theme. If I can help one person it makes my day! xx
Hi Sue,
I love this idea…I call it “baby steps”…little steps that you can take that move your forward. It’s of no use to take a huge step and not be able to sustain it. Make it doable and sustainable. And you will feel better as, even tho it is a small move, it is a move in the right direction and you can see/feel the progress.
Hi Nancy, yes I called them ‘baby steps’ until I discovered the term ‘micro steps’. I have always approached my goal setting in this way – small steps with wins along the way to build a strong foundation for achieving our goal. We think alike! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by xx
With you here. I am always telling people to break it down into manageable and meaningful chunks.
HI Amelia I love your ‘Year of Challenges’ and yes, I also try for a SM free day each week. It is amazing how liberating that is. x