With January behind us and the rest of the year ahead, now is a wonderful time to check in with ourselves. Chances are you made at least one New Year’s Resolution or set intentions for how you envision this year unfolding. We are so brilliant at making plans, and setting ambitious goals – but if you’re like the majority of us, getting down to the nitty-gritty, and actualizing these goals by taking the steps to arrive there tends to fall by the wayside. We can visualize the destination clearly, but there are mountains we must conquer on the way. Sometimes, the mountains seem so insurmountable, we just decide to not act.
“It will require too much effort.”
“I don’t have the time/energy/patience.”
“I don’t have faith in my abilities.”
“I’m scared of failing.”
Do any of those excuses resonate with you? I may have just the solution to spur your movement towards the direction of your desires.
Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite tools in my toolbox: micro progress.
What is Micro Progress?
Micro progress is basically taking those “mountains” and breaking them down into minute, easy to accomplish tasks. So, if your project is organizing paperwork (cue sense of panicked overwhelm!), the break down might look something like this:
Step 1. Gather up all the paper in your kitchen.
Step 2. Fashion into a pile.
Step 3. Sort that pile into smaller piles (“To File”, “To Shred,” “To Toss”)
Step 4. Discard the “Toss” pile.
Step 5. Sort the “File” pile into smaller piles – phone bills, auto-related papers (bills, insurance, maintenance records/receipts, etc.), kid’s paperwork (permission slips, report cards, etc.) – the idea here is to organize into smaller sections of related paperwork to be filed.
Step 6. Shred the “shred” pile and dispose of shredded paper.
Step 7. “File” the sorted piles from step 5.
And then – CELEBRATE after you have accomplished each step. Give yourself a generous pat on the back for a job well done! You’ve earned it.
Why it Works
The premise of micro-progress is that it’s easier to stay motivated once you’ve started. A 2011 Harvard Business Review article, it was reported that research had found that “ordinary, incremental progress can increase people’s engagement in the work and their happiness during the workday.”
To elaborate on the psychology behind micro progress, other studies have shown that by setting and achieving micro-goals (i.e, the list we have above), the dopamine levels in our brains increase. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter in our brains that plays a notable role in reward-motivated behavior (pleasure!).
So, not only does micro progress transform you into a goal achieving machine by breaking projects down into the smallest possible tasks, celebrating your accomplishments along the way can actually flood your brain with a “feel good” chemical that can motivate you even further! It’s a win-win solution to the problem of inertia in working towards your goals. if you’re letting those mountains between you and realizing your goals stand between you, remember that climbing mountains is achieved by taking one step at a time. You should try incorporating micro progress and micro goals into your life and watch the trajectory change! You’ll find yourself up at the summit in no time, proclaiming your victory!
We’re rooting for you! And as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need a little help getting started with organizing or managing your time more efficiently.
Have you tried the micro progress system? Did it work for you? Please let us know in the comments!
Until next time,
What is a manageable way to begin?
Pick the space or routine that creates the most daily friction. A small improvement there often provides more relief than reorganizing an area you rarely use.
How do you make the change last?
Use the new setup during a normal week and pay attention to what still feels difficult. A system is allowed to change. If putting something away takes too many steps, simplify the category, move it closer to where it is used, or reduce what the space has to hold.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to finish the whole project at once?
No. Completing one defined area is more useful than creating several unfinished piles. Progress can be small and still be meaningful.
Should I buy organizing products first?
Usually not. Sort and measure first so any product you choose solves a specific problem instead of becoming one more item to manage.
What if I feel embarrassed asking for help?
You do not need to clean, organize, or apologize before asking WOW Organizing for support. We begin with what is happening now and work without judgment.
If you would like help applying these ideas in your own home, learn more about our Home Organizing Services.
Ready for a more manageable next step?
Tell us what is creating the most pressure. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you choose a realistic place to begin.