How Small Action Can Reset Your Life Fast

Friday, 18 July 2025 Written by Leo Babauta Views: 14348

Sometimes, your life just feels like a mess. What you really want is to do a full reset — start with a blank slate, wipe away all of the mess, and start to build a life you’re proud of.

What I recommend is to focus on the power of small actions.

It sounds so simple that it can’t be that important — but it’s perhaps the most important thing you can do. It changed my entire life. And I’ve seen it change the lives of thousands of people.

Let’s take a look at how it works.

To Start: Lay Out a Simple Vision

Before we get to the small action, I’d like to advocate for something important: create a very simple vision of what you’d like your life to be like.

This might seem daunting, but I just mean: if you could start with a blank slate, what would you want?

For example, maybe you’d like to be eating better and exercising regularly. Maybe you want to get off your phone and get outside more. Maybe you want to socialize a bit, and read more. Maybe you want to do something you’re passionate about. And declutter your home.

It can be that simple: think about the life you’d like.

Go for a walk, and sit out in nature, and let yourself dream. What would feel really good to you?

You don’t have to have a detailed vision, nor does it need to be complete. Just something to start with.

As you think about this vision, imagine that it can really happen (set aside the doubts for now). How does it make you feel? Let yourself be inspired.

Now Practice Small Actions

Most people will stop here, because they feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or resigned to the idea that it’s not possible. Don’t stop here!

What I encourage you to do is start to practice really small actions. Every day.

Just pick something small and do your best to take that action. Do it several times a day — up to 10 times a day if you feel motivated. If you’re not motivated, take just 1–3 small actions that day. But try to take at least a small step or two just about every day (and forgive yourself if you miss a day).

What are small actions? Here are some that relate to the example vision I shared above:

• Go out for a 5-minute walk

• Eat one fruit

• Declutter just 1–2 items (put them in a box for donation)

• Listen to a podcast about something you might get passionate about

• Reach out to a friend and say hello

• Find a book to read, and just read the first paragraph

As you can see, most of these (if not all of them) are super easy. Sometimes they might feel too easy. That’s perfect! Do a bunch of actions that feel way too easy.

If an action feels too hard, then do a smaller, easier version of it. For example, if you want to meditate for 10 minutes, but can’t bring yourself to do it — can you meditate for just 1 minute instead? It should feel easier than you can handle.

In the end, these small actions create a “life reset” — you are creating a new life, one tiny action at a time. Instead of doing your default, you’re trying something different. Give this life reset some time — a few weeks, a couple months — and you’ll see a ton of change.

Whatsapp

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!