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Small Changes, Big Results: Mastering the Art of Daily Habits

In the grand scheme of a better life, I often chased the big breakthroughs—the life-altering moments that promised to transform me overnight.

It was only my daily attention to running, creating a habit, that allowed me to finish Grandma’s Marathon.

I once purchased an ab-building contraption from an infomercial that promised if I strapped it on for 15 minutes a day, the electronic stimulator would tone up my post-pregnancy body into something svelte.

While I was willing to invest those 15 minutes a day, ultimately, I was looking for a big transformation with limited effort. I will let you be the judge of my success.

Sidenote: In researching this product’s device, I was impressed to find several similar products on the market today! I invite you to check out this product and the human demonstrating it—I wonder if his results are from the ABS Stimulator Workout Equipment?

Did you know I ran long distances as an adult? It wasn’t because I loved running. I wanted fast results to improve my body, and running for over five hours straight seemed a good choice.

Regardless. I am not an athlete, nor have I ever been. But during a time in my life when I needed to find inner peace, the roads became my therapy.

This non-athlete started with a 5k…, and the pride I felt crossing that finish line led me down a five-year journey, finishing several half marathons and one Grandma’s Marathon completion in 2010.

It was the baby steps. The plan. The wins and setbacks that got me across the Canal Park finish line. There was no magic running jacket I could purchase from an infomercial that got me across the line. And for the record, I actually gained weight training for the marathon…and it wasn’t muscle!

It has been the same with healing my heart, too. I naively thought signing a divorce paper was the easy fix I needed. It took months to understand the long road of mending that I had yet to start.

Twelve years later, I can see how many baby steps I have taken to get to where I am—one step forward and two steps back many times.

But those baby decisions and daily habits were essential to my Metamorphosis.

I am leading a virtual class called “List Lovers Anonymous,” where the participants create a reflective list every day for a month.

List Lovers Anonymous allows us to start with baby steps of intention on a daily basis—committing one month to learning more about yourselves.

Sounds simple, right?

Even as an English educator, I understand how journaling when life feels like a dumpster fire is too big of a commitment. Back a handful of years, I would grab a chisel-tip black Sharpie and write a bold list.

Those words or phrases were as powerful as journaling…if not more. Which has more impact…an upset person ranting on and on or that same person uttering a word or two? (My parents used the latter for control, which worked!).

This brave ‘List Lover’ group shows up for a daily prompt that dares us to limit ourselves to a list, often on topics we could write a book about.

Baby steps. Daily habits.

Today, Day 24, we needed a breather to appreciate the emotional power of our small actions—our daily habit of making lists. That’s impact.

What if I told you that the real magic lies not in the grand gestures but in the small, daily habits we cultivate? You’d probably tell me you already knew that, but do you KNOW that? Those seemingly mundane rituals are key to unlocking our true potential and fostering personal growth.

Settle in, and let me share what I have learned from the world of daily habits.

1. The Power of Consistency:

Ah, consistency—the unsung hero of personal growth. It’s the steady drip that carves the stone, the gentle breeze that sets the sail.

Whether you read a few pages of a book every night, meditate for ten minutes each morning, or journal your thoughts before bed, consistency is the secret sauce that turns ordinary actions into extraordinary results. So, try to embrace the mundane, for it is in the daily grind that greatness is born.

2. Tiny Habits, Big Impact:

Allowing myself room to breathe as often as possible is a small, daily habit that brings joy into my regular routine.

Have you heard of the domino effect? Well, daily habits work in a similar way. By starting small and focusing on incremental improvements, we can set ourselves up for success without feeling overwhelmed.

Want to learn a new language?

Start with just five minutes of vocabulary practice each day. Dream of running a marathon? Begin by jogging around the block. Remember, it’s not about the size of the action but the persistence with which we pursue it.

Before you know it, those tiny habits will snowball into something truly remarkable.

3. Mindfulness in Motion:

Cultivating mindfulness is more important than ever in a world that’s constantly buzzing with activity.

Daily habits offer us a precious opportunity to press pause, tune into the present moment, and reconnect with ourselves. Whether it’s savoring a cup of coffee without distractions, taking a stroll in nature, or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes, these moments of mindfulness act as anchors in our hectic lives.

So, slow down, dear friend, and savor the richness of each passing moment.

4. The Joy of Self-Discovery:

They say that life is a journey, not a destination, and daily habits are the breadcrumbs that lead us to self-discovery.

As we engage in consistent practices, we unearth hidden talents, uncover buried passions, and unravel the layers of our true selves. Perhaps you’ll discover a love for painting, a knack for storytelling, or a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the world.

Whatever it may be, embrace the adventure of self-discovery with an open heart and a curious mind.

5. Compassion in Action:

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the role of compassion in cultivating daily habits.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism when we stumble or veer off course—however, true growth blossoms in an environment of kindness and understanding. For some of us, that is its own mountain.

So, be gentle with yourself on this journey.

Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and extend grace to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Remember, every day is a fresh opportunity to begin anew, armed with the wisdom of yesterday and the hope of tomorrow.

In conclusion, my dear reader, the value of daily habits for personal growth cannot be overstated. From the power of consistency to the joy of self-discovery, these small rituals weave a tapestry of transformation in the fabric of our lives.

So, as you embark on your journey of growth and self-improvement, remember to embrace the magic of the mundane, for therein lies the true beauty of the human experience.

Here’s to the small steps that lead to big dreams and the daily habits that make them a reality. Cheers to growth, one habit at a time!

Me. Heather N. Wilde. An indie author and publisher at Hezzie Mae.

Take a deep breath, silence that inner critic, and embrace the truth:

You are worthy. Of love. Of happiness. As you are right now, today. Always.

Heather N. Wilde


Read similar posts about creativity and authoring on Hezzie Mae’s Blog.

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I am a writer, educator, indie publisher, artist, and trauma survivor. Visit HezzieMae.com for a paradigm shift in author mentoring, publishing, and creative, healthy living.


Purchase Aligned Enchantment by Rachel Gilbertson (March 2024).

Purchase Tumbled: A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth & Magical Transformation by Heather Wilde (Feb 2023).

Purchase Pig Tales & Popcorn: Patricia’s Memoir by Heather Wilde and Pat Passero (July 2023).

Purchase Suck Less at Love: She Said, He Said Advice on Relationships by Cyndi Lewis (Jan 2024).

Heather N. Wilde

Heather Wilde is an indie publisher and trauma survivor who discovered, through writing her own memoir, just how powerful and healing sharing your story can be. Now, she helps others do the same.

Heather believes everyone has a story that can change lives and heal their soul, and she’s here to help you bring yours to the world.

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