If you want to achieve extraordinary things, begin with the ordinary.

In a way, psychology is entirely a discipline of self-improvement; it helps us analyze our thoughts, actions, and motivations to learn how we can avoid misjudgments. In self-improvement, psychology helps us step outside of ourselves and view our thoughts and actions from a third-person perspective.

I learned once that there are people who act, and people who are acted upon, meaning that some people control the trajectory of their lives (carpe diem!) and others let life happen to them .

If you want to achieve extraordinary things, begin with the ordinary.

Psychological research confirms the principle that small, proximal goals are more effective than long-term (distal) goals.

The study illustrated a simple principle—to accomplish big things, set small proximal goals that will help us work toward our larger goal.

The grandiose goals are often too daunting for us to even attempt them, unless we shift our perspective and ask, “What’s the first step to achieving this?” Create a manageable first step, and we’ll be on the right track.  

How often do we have an important, somewhat unexpected idea pop into our heads, but we dismiss it without taking action. For me, these ideas arrive with a bang. I think, “I should do that!” But then I hesitate, allowing myself to debate the issue for a few minutes until all the momentum has worn off.

The Nike principle  no room for debate and indecision. Don’t wait; just do it. When the opportunity arrives, take it, and that’s a lesson we should all try to apply to our own goals.

If you commit to doing something specific at a future time, you’ll be more likely to do it. You make a decision about something long before the moment of decision arrives.


If you do something well (even just ONE thing) people will ask you to do it again.


Boost: Create Good Habits Using Psychology and Technology