It’s tough to shake a habit – whether it’s a good one, or a bad one.

I’ve been thinking a ton about habits lately, and the structures of discipline that form them/sustain them.

I’ve been spurred on by the book “The Slight Edge”, the premise of which is that the small actions we do every day – the seemingly insignificant things – are the things that make the difference in our lives and determine where we end up.

The idea that the things that are both easy to do, and easy not to do – like spending just 15 minutes a day being active or reading a business book – will be the things that form our habits, and those habits will form our success or downfall.

I can’t disagree. For example – wing nights.

Those wings are so tasty, and won’t kill you if you eat ’em – at least, not today. But eat wings and down a schooner twice a week for a few years, and suddenly, you’ve got some health issues.

That sort of thing.

Anyways, I’ve been trying to change my habits.

Wake up every day and spend 10 – 15 minutes writing down how my business is doing, tracking against my goals and the life I want to build. It’s been hugely illuminating – but it’s been a bit hard.

A tough look in the mirror.

That said, I wake up excited to do it, because I’m actively making decisions to get me where I want to be. 10 minutes every day will compound into 60 HOURS per year spent thinking about my business and making plans.

Neat to think about it that way, right? Compounding interest. It makes more sense when you calculate that outcome.

Another change I’ve been trying to make is recording my diet and exercise regimen. Also not so hot – but if I can just make these small moves and stick to them, I can get that pinwheel spinning. Start by recording, then by fixing, then by ramping up.

An hour a day of exercise will compound into a better, fitter, healthier me.

It’s the little things that make or break you, so you’ve got to mind the little things.

Nobody likes flossing, but it takes almost no time to do and may mean the difference between dentures and pearly whites.

Nobody likes getting up and stretching every hour or so at their desk, but over time, not doing it will twist you up like a pretzel.

Start today. Do something small. Repeat it tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, until you change your world.