“ I wish I could do better”
” I would like to eat healthier and start to exercise but it can feel so overwhelming”
” I have goals, but I just don’t have the time”
If you’ve ever had these thoughts, here’s a gentle, effective way to get you moving in the right direction.
It’s called the 5-minute action.
There’s nothing special about 5 minutes. It could be 10 seconds, 1 minute, or 10 minutes.
The point is:
- It’s an action—something you do.
- That action is very small, something that feels easy and simple.
- It moves you in the direction you want to go.
- It’s an easy win—which gives you the confidence boost to do more good for yourself.
How to do it
Pick an action right now that might have a positive impact on health, well-being or a step toward a goal.
Some examples:
- Cut up some veggies for a later snack.
- Take 5 minutes and clean up your desk space
- Slowly enjoy a mug of tea being mindful of each sip
- Buy a fun looking notebook and pen
- Put your running shoes at your door where you can see them
- Pick out some workout clothes before bed and put them in the bathroom for the morning
- Download a meditation app
You can then start getting a little more strategic, and pick an action—maybe even one to commit to daily—to support a larger goal.
For example, maybe your ultimate goal is to get back into the habit of eating mostly home-cooked meals.
Take ONE small action in support of your bigger, future goal.
That might mean making a grocery list, looking up some recipes, or chopping up a few vegetables.
It can be tough to get motivated, but here’s a secret: It’s action that drives motivation, not the other way around.
When you do a small thing to improve your circumstances, this actually inspires you to do more things.
Now you’re no longer “waiting to get motivated.” You’re creating your own motivation.
The Love Yourself Diary 