Tiny Rewards, Big Results

We like results. We like progress we can see.

If we are making ourselves uncomfortable and doing hard things, we at least want something to show for it.

When you’re saving money, you can see the balance grow or watch a jar fill up.

It’s visual and we can actually see our progress.

This makes it satisfying.

But with a lot of habits—like walking, stretching, going to bed earlier, flossing your teeth – you might not have anything obvious to show for it. Not right away, anyway.

That’s where habit trackers come in.

Because even if you can’t see the habit paying off yet, you can still give yourself a little reward.

Coloring in a box.
Checking something off a list.
Seeing a streak build.
That small moment of satisfaction tells your brain: “Nice! Keep going!”

It’s a little high-five from you to you.

Tracking is proof you’re showing up, even if the results aren’t visible yet.
And guess what?

That is a result!

If you’re having trouble staying consistent with a new habit, your brain might need more consistent rewards. 

A habit tracker can be a super helpful and effective tool.

I’m on Day 10 of a 100-Day challenge I’ve issued myself – write a blog post every day.

I have a tracker on my desk, and every day when I press publish, I color in a square on the tracker.

It might seem like a silly little thing to do – like it’s not going to make a difference, but seeing that first row of boxes fill up feels really good, and every time I look at it, it motivates me to keep going.

After I publish this post I’ll have filled in the whole first row. I can’t wait to color in that 10th box!

And now, rather than looking at this new habit with dread, I’m looking forward to writing tomorrow’s post. 

I’m in a groove and I’ve got momentum, and my habit tracker is instrumental in that.

What’s a habit you want to start tracking today? (remember it doesn’t have to be big – start small – start with one minute)

Use paper, use an app, use whatever works best for you.

Want a copy of the tracker I’m using? CLICK HERE.

Now go do that one minute habit and fill in your first box.