Make the start tiny
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The idea in everyday life
Design a starter version that survives low-energy days and naturally permits a larger version.
Make the first step easy enough to begin on a difficult day. You can do more after you start.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Identify the hardest first 30 seconds and remove choices, setup, searching, and unnecessary equipment.
- 2
Define a tiny version that takes roughly two minutes or less and still counts honestly.
- 3
Create standard, expanded, and recovery versions without making the largest version the hidden minimum.
- 4
Test the tiny version immediately and revise until beginning feels almost frictionless.
See how it works.
Devin’s tiny version is one page, standard is ten minutes, and expanded is a chapter; one page remains a real success.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a three-level behavior menu with tiny, standard, and expanded versions plus a completed start test.
- Check this common mistake: Calling a 45-minute workout or 20-page reading session tiny because it seems small compared with the eventual goal.
- You can complete the tiny version on a busy day without preparation, negotiation, or special motivation.
What to finish
A three-level behavior menu with tiny, standard, and expanded versions plus a completed start test.
Watch for this
Calling a 45-minute workout or 20-page reading session tiny because it seems small compared with the eventual goal.
How can I tell I understand it?
You can complete the tiny version on a busy day without preparation, negotiation, or special motivation.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
You’ll get an explanation for each answer. Signed in? Your results save to your account.
Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.
Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
Building Lasting Habits
From Stanford University. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Watch for an idea you can use in the practice below. You can pause or skip this optional overview.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
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