The Power of Tiny Habits

Hey Solo Dad,

Last week's newsletter focused on the "One-on-One" Rule and the importance of being fully present with your kids. It's a reminder that the greatest gift you can give them isn't a possession, but your undivided attention.

This week, let's talk about how to make all of these ideas stick. We've covered everything from managing your emotions to creating an organized home. But big changes can feel overwhelming. The secret isn't a sudden, massive effort; it's a series of small, consistent actions.

1 Actionable Strategy: The "2-Minute" Rule

Have you ever tried to start a new habit only to give up after a few days? Whether it’s exercising more, reading to your kids every night, or just tidying up, our brains get overwhelmed by the size of the task.

The solution is to make it ridiculously easy to start: The "2-Minute" Rule.

Here's how to make it happen:

• Break it down: Take any new habit you want to start and scale it down to a version that takes two minutes or less to complete.

• Make it easy to begin: The goal isn't to finish the task; it's to start it.

  • Want to start exercising? Your two-minute version could be putting on your running shoes.

  • Want to read to your kids every night? Your two-minute version is opening the book to the first page.

  • Want a cleaner kitchen? Your two-minute version is putting away one dish.

This rule works because it separates the act of starting from the pressure of finishing. Once you start, you'll often find the motivation to keep going. But even if you don't, you’ve still completed the habit successfully. You're building a routine, and that's what truly matters.

1 Mindset Shift: Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a "quick fix" or a "miracle cure" for our problems. We think we need a complete overhaul of our lives to see real change.

Focus on the process, not the outcome. You become a better dad not by having one perfect day, but by consistently doing the small things that add up over time. Every small effort, from pausing before you react, to putting away a single dish is a vote for the person you want to become.

1 Recommended Resource: Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you want to dive deeper into how small habits can create remarkable results, I highly recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book is a game-changer. Clear provides a simple, proven framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones. It’s a powerful read that will fundamentally change the way you approach personal growth and consistency.

Cheers to the journey,

Todd