Start small

When we start a new project or develop a new habit, it is tempting to go big right away: read an entire book, run three miles, or play an instrument for five hours.

But by doing too much at the beginning we risk burning ourselves out. I can’t tell you how many times I quit an endeavor within a week.

Another option is to start small. Do a little on the first day. Make it easy. Read one page. Walk half a mile. Practice one chord. Then ramp up slowly.

Never underestimate the power of a small step. Going from zero to one is already an achievement.