The power of small actions: The 4-3-2-1 Audit

Hey

I woke up a little later today—5:25 AM.

I finally dragged myself out of bed, and that was only because my dog licking my hand was the inspiration I needed.

And it inspired this weeks edition of The 4-3-2-1.

Isn’t It weird how sometimes, it’s the little things that make the big changes.

And that’s what I want to talk about in this email today—how even if it seems small and you don’t see the progress YET…

… I promise you it is coming.

Think of it this way:

You eat healthy, you don’t lose weight immediately.

You have to keep eating healthy, and the compounding effect of that is where the results come in.

On the other hand, if you eat unhealthily...

After all, what’s one more Malteser?

It’s the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, right?

Well, it won’t have a negative effect straight away either,

But then the compounding effect of those Maltesers will hit you all at once, and all of a sudden you’ve gained 5kg... and not 5kg of the good kind…

I’m talking from a recent experience I’ve had with Maltesers and chocolate in general.

It’s my weakness, and I know I need to stop.

But have you ever tried saying no to a wedge of Terry’s chocolate orange?

The smell alone is enough to make any choccie lover drool.

Anyway, today's message is about how little things over time can have a big impact.

And whether that impact is good or bad is up to your actions and habits.

So, with that said, today's 4-3-2-1 is going to be a little different.

It’s going to be an audit of ourselves—our actions, our habits, good and bad.

And how we can start making a positive change to achieve those goals that you have set for yourself.

After all, the quote goes:

And ultimately, that’s what the 4-3-2-1 is about. It’s about changing your outlook to a positive one and helping you win at the game of life.

We’ll cover one of my favourite books I’ve ever read next week, Florence Scovel Shinn's "The Game of Life and How to Play It."

Until then, here is this week’s 4-3-2-1:

4 Journal Prompts

1. Identify Your Small Positive Actions

What are three small healthy habits you’ve incorporated into your daily routine? How have they impacted your life?

• Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.

• Taking a 10-minute walk during lunch breaks

• Meditating for five minutes before bed.

2. Acknowledge Your Negative Habits:

What are three small unhealthy habits that you find yourself repeating? How do they affect you in the long run?

• Snacking on junk food late at night.

• Skipping breakfast in the rush of the morning.

• Spending too much time on social media.

3. Plan for Positive Change:

Reflect on one negative habit you want to change. What small steps can you take to turn it into a positive one?

• Replace late-night snacking with a cup of herbal tea.

• Set out breakfast items the night before to ensure you eat in the morning.

• Allocate specific times for social media use to avoid overindulgence.

4. Visualize Your Progress:

Imagine how your life will look six months from now if you continue with your positive habits? Write down your vision.

• Increased energy levels and better overall health.

• More productivity and focus throughout the day.

• Improved mental clarity and a sense of accomplishment.

3 Questions to Spark Creativity

1. What small, consistent actions have you seen others take that inspire you?

   • A colleague who always takes a 5-minute break every hour.

   • A friend who practices yoga daily without fail.

   • A family member who reads a chapter of a book every night.

2. How can you turn one of your hobbies or passions into a daily habit?

   • Setting aside 15 minutes a day to draw or paint.

   • Practicing a musical instrument for 10 minutes each evening.

   • Writing in a journal every morning.

3. What unconventional methods can you think of to incorporate healthy habits into your routine?

   • Using a standing desk while working.

   • Doing squats or stretches during TV commercials.

   • Setting a daily reminder to practice gratitude.

2 Affirmations

"Every small, positive action I take leads me closer to my goals."

"I am committed to nurturing my body, mind, and spirit every day."

1 Mind-Blowing Fact

Did you know that even small positive changes can create a ripple effect in your life?

Research shows that making tiny adjustments to your daily habits can lead to significant long-term improvements.

For instance, a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that it takes, on average, 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.

This means that the small, positive actions you commit to today can transform your life in just over two months, leading to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled you.

So, remember, whether it's drinking more water, taking short walks, or reducing your screen time, these small actions will compound over time to create substantial benefits.

Isnt that something we all want?

Keep striving for those small, positive changes, and watch how they transform your life. You’ve got this!

Stay consistent and stay positive.

Small changes today for a better tomorrow.

Your friend.

Robbo “The PVC Chief” Blades.

P.S. Stay tuned for next week when we dive into Florence Scovel Shinn's "The Game of Life and How to Play It." It’s going to be a game-changer!