The Gap In Between

Happy Tuesday,

Let me start by saying we all know what we should be doing to improve our lives, but why is it so hard to actually do those things?

The reality is that knowledge alone rarely creates lasting change. The critical difference between those who grow and those who stagnate isn't information—it's implementation.

So let’s break down what this looks like -

Three Principles for Meaningful Change

1. Start impossibly small. Most people overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what they can achieve in a year. A daily two-minute meditation practice that you actually do is infinitely more valuable than an ambitious 30-minute routine you abandon after three days.

2. Focus on systems, not goals. Goals set the direction, but systems determine your progress. Don't obsess over losing 20 pounds; instead, build a system where healthy eating and regular movement become part of your identity.

3. Embrace productive discomfort. Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone. The momentary discomfort of facing a difficult conversation, trying a challenging workout, or learning a new skill is the price of admission for a more capable future self.

The Science Behind Habit Formation

Recent neuroscience research reveals why small changes are so powerful. When we repeat an action consistently, our brains create neural pathways that make the behavior increasingly automatic. This is why habits that initially require willpower eventually become second nature. (Check out this podcast episode for more - Ep. 67 Change Your Brain With Ben Ahrens)

Dr. BJ Fogg of Stanford University found that tiny habits paired with existing routines have a significantly higher success rate than ambitious changes attempted in isolation. The key is consistency, not intensity. Tiny Habits: The Small Habits That Change Everything by BJ Fogg

Real-World Success Story

Meet Sarah, a subscriber who transformed her life not through a dramatic overhaul but through a series of micro-commitments. She began with just five minutes of journaling each morning while her coffee brewed. Three months later, this small practice had expanded into a comprehensive morning routine that dramatically improved her mental clarity and productivity.

"The difference wasn't that I suddenly found more discipline," Sarah explains. "It was that I stopped trying to change everything at once and instead focused on building momentum through small wins."

This my friends is everything. We don’t celebrate the small wins as much as we ought to.

Overcoming Resistance

When we attempt change, our brains often trigger resistance—a protective mechanism designed to conserve energy and avoid potential discomfort. To overcome this natural resistance:

• Reduce friction: Make your desired behavior as easy as possible to begin

• Increase motivation: Connect the behavior to your deeply held values

• Manage expectations: Anticipate setbacks and plan how you'll respond

This Week's Action Step

Choose one small habit—something that takes less than five minutes—and commit to doing it daily for the next seven days. Don't worry about results yet. Simply prove to yourself that you can consistently show up.

Some examples:

• Read one page of a personal development book

• Write down three things you're grateful for

• Take five slow, deep breaths while focusing on your body

• Send one message to nurture an important relationship

Reflection Question

What's one area of your life where you've been trying to make a major change all at once? How might you break that down into a tiny, manageable first step?

Remember: The gap between who you are and who you want to be is filled by your daily actions, not your intentions. The journey to meaningful change starts with a single, small step taken consistently.

Some More Resources To Inspire You

The 11 Greatest Self-Improvement Books

More Of My Recent Writing -

Questioning It All

Finding Ourselves Again

Things I Love

These Therapy Notebooks Are Out Of This World

Thank you for reading and being a part of my incredible community.

In Gratitude With Love,

Sue

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Renoo - Level Up Your Meditation Game!