10 mins >1% Better

10 Minutes of Yoga Before Breakfast — Win

And yet, I used to balk at such a short session—until I discovered James Clear’s Atomic Habits and the power of getting 1% better every day.

So how exactly does that 1% play out for me on this occasion?

Well, straight off the bat, I’m showing up on the yoga mat to practice, not chat.

And that alone would be enough. However, given my recent injury (see previous blog), the routine I chose provided insightful feedback regarding tightness, limitations, and my current capabilities within certain movements or poses. Thus ROI = much more than 1%.

Regardless, the concept of getting 1% better is a win—and worth acknowledging—as it helps so many of us feel good about simply taking that first step, returning to a planned habit, or making a small positive effort.

In turn, this can help with motivation and can serve as a way to pierce through procrastination.

Sure, in the past I’d have looked at such an effort through the lens of a workout that was merely a warm-up, insufficient, or even a cop-out.

Back then, during client consultations, I’d often hear the familiar phrase “I’m all or nothing” or the fired up self-talk motto of “go hard or go home” as the perceived approach to beginning a fitness journey.

Nowadays, I see a place for whatever motivates someone to embark on and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Just some approaches are more sustainable than others….

Today, 1% better was a good way to wake up the body. Win.

Reference:

Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. Avery.