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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Small Move, Big Change summary
Caroline L. Arnold
Using Microresolutions to Transform Your Life Permanently
19 mins
Brief summary
Small Move, Big Change by Caroline L. Arnold offers a fresh perspective on how to achieve goals through microresolutions. It breaks down the process of identifying and implementing small changes that can lead to achieving larger goals.
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Small Move, Big Change
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Key idea 1 of 8
It’s hard to stick to resolutions you’ve made, as often they are too broad or idealistic.
Alongside sipping Champagne and counting down the seconds until midnight, one of the highlights of New Year’s Eve is sharing your resolutions with trusted friends, swearing to lose 10 pounds or quit smoking. You always say that this year – unlike last year – you’ll do it.
Yet inevitably you fail, year after year. In fact, some estimates say that people fail in keeping some 88 percent of the resolutions they make. But why is this the case?
In part, you fail because your resolutions are simply too overreaching.
On New Year’s Eve, for example, it’s easy to feel guilty about having spent the past holiday week lazing around and overeating. To make up for the gluttony, you vow to make huge, sweeping changes.
However, these changes are usually too broad, and therefore too easy to let slip.
Say one of your promises was to “get in shape and go to the gym.” This resolution is too broad, and leaves you with too many unanswered questions. When do you plan to go? How will you determine when you’re sufficiently “in shape?”
Broad, imprecise resolutions such as these will most likely lead you to slacking altogether, with excuses like: “I’ll skip the gym today and go tomorrow instead.”
Sometimes resolutions fail because you want things to happen without having a concrete idea of how to achieve them. These are wannabe resolutions, and are little more than commandments to make you a better person, rather than an actual change.
For example, if you’ve ever told yourself that you “want to be more organized,” then you’ve uttered a wannabe resolution. Sure, you may want this, but how do you achieve it?
There’s nothing built into your resolution that offers you a place to start – and if starting is difficult, then it’s unlikely that you’ll continue and reach your goal.
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What is Small Move, Big Change about?
In Small Move, Big Change, you’ll learn why it is we so often fail to follow through with the changes in our lives that we so desperately want to make. Author Caroline Arnold explains that we fall short because we’re not crafting our resolutions in a way that is actually achievable. Instead, we should focus on “microresolutions” – small, easy-to-keep commitments that add up to big change.
Small Move, Big Change Review
Small Move, Big Change (2014) by Caroline L. Arnold is a book that can make a big impact on your life. Here's why it's worth reading:
- It offers a proven method to achieve goals by making small, strategic changes, helping readers overcome inertia and move forward.
- The book provides numerous real-life examples and case studies, illustrating how small changes can lead to significant results in various areas of life.
- Through its practical tips and actionable advice, the book keeps readers engaged and motivated, ensuring that personal growth is never boring or overwhelming.
Best quote from Small Move, Big Change
We begin with enthusiasm and determination, yet our will falters and resolutions fizzle.
—Caroline L. Arnold
Who should read Small Move, Big Change?
- Anyone who has failed to follow through on a New Year’s resolution
- Anyone wanting to reach personal and professional goals that seem out of reach
- Anyone who is looking for a sustainable path to self-improvement
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Small Move, Big Change FAQs
What is the main message of Small Move, Big Change?
Small Move, Big Change teaches us that making small, incremental changes can have a big impact on our lives.
How long does it take to read Small Move, Big Change?
The estimated reading time for Small Move, Big Change is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Small Move, Big Change a good book? Is it worth reading?
Small Move, Big Change is worth reading as it offers practical insights on how to make lasting positive changes in our lives.
Who is the author of Small Move, Big Change?
Caroline L. Arnold is the author of Small Move, Big Change.
What to read after Small Move, Big Change?
If you're wondering what to read next after Small Move, Big Change, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Get Smart! by Brian Tracy
- Healthy Kids, Happy Kids by Elisa Song
- Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith
- Read Write Own by Chris Dixon
- All It Takes Is a Goal by Jon Acuff