5 Small Steps that can Lead to Big Success

It really doesn't take much to make a world of difference. We usually talk ourselves out of starting a task because it seems too big to conquer at the moment. You already know you can accomplish more than you thought in Ten Tenacious Minutes, but where else can super small changes lend big results?

Before we get started, let's get inspired. Below are before and after photos of a mudroom makeover on www.apartmenttherapy.com

The mudroom acquired a few storage boxes & containers, a catch all, bulletin board on the wall and a cushion. Not rocket science, but effective.

Where can you make a HUGE difference with LITTLE effort? I'm talking mega bang for your buck....like almost stealing.  You will be surprised the difference 1 little bitty Homemade Change can make. Here are a few ideas. Pick the tip that speaks loudest to you and when applicable try it for a week:

Drink one extra glass of water a day: If you drink 0, drink 1. We all know we should, but who wants to give up sugary, caffeinated, yummy delights? So don't...yet. All you have to do this week today is drink one extra glass of water. I started with room temp cupful and just slugged it back to get it over with when I was first starting. You may want ice and lemon and a nice book with yours. Do it your way, but do it. Clearer skin, better functioning organs, and weight loss are just a few of the benefits. I now drink hot water, made in flash by my trusty coffee maker (Thanks Lisa!), every night after dinner. My tummy is warm and full without taking in calories or staying up all night. Just one extra glass today, and the day after that and soon..I bet before you know it...you will have done it for the week. By steadily increasing your water intake, you will save money (water is free besides a few filters here and there), feel & sleep better and lose fat & toxins. Drink up!

Collect your change in a Mason jar: I can hear it now, "But I use my card for everything and NEVER carry cash." OK for this tip you would need to make two small changes. I can attest that one of them will change your life forever if you let it. Over 8 months ago, my husband and I went to an all cash budget and have saved more money than we knew possible. We sit down at least once a week at the dinner table and discuss our budget, giving every dollar a name. Don't skip to the next tip! I am not suggesting you go that extreme this week-- just get out $50-100 in cash and make your small purchases with that money. When you break a big bill put the $1s and the change in your Mason jar. Do this every time you have $1s or change from your original withdrawal. At the end of the week, look at the money you saved. You may also notice that when you have to turn over cool hard cash your grip gets a little tighter. Swiping a card, whether it be credit or debit, just doesn't have the same effect as watching money deplete before your eyes. Warning: this may cause you not to buy crap you don't need.

Get up five minutes early to stretch: That's it. I don't want you to set your alarm for 4:30am to run 4 miles before work or sign up for a bootcamp 6 days a week. Just 5 minutes of concentrated stretching and breathing before starting your day can clear your mind and relax your body. No expert pretzel poses required. Take yourself back to elementary P.E. classes--"Arms up reaching for the sky, stand like a tree with arms to your side, reach down and touch approach your toes..." Breathe in and out deeply and steadily while doing so. Do this each morning and go ahead call yourself a regular ole' yogini! We have so much to do during our day.  Let's allow ourselves 3 to 5 minutes of peace before all hell breaks loose.

Get rid of one item: Sell it, donate it, trade it, give it away to a friend, walk it to the curb...whatever is appropriate and/or easiest. Get it out of your house and out of your life. It's not adding value. Best case scenario the item is taking up space and collecting dust. Worst case scenario the waste of space is in your way and weighing on your mind. Free yourself from it. In fact, make mama proud and get rid of a trash bag full. OK, OK sorry. Just one dern item...a day... for a week :).

Pat yourself on the back: This one should probably be mandatory. I'm willing to bet that 90% of you don't take enough time for yourself. I know I don't always. So this week we will. On at least 1 day this week, take a bath, do your nails, enjoy your favorite dinner or sweet. Do what makes you feel good simply because it feels good (within reason ladies). You spend a lot of your life tending to or looking out for the benefit of others...husbands or partners, kids, bosses, friends, coworkers, parents, neighbors to name a few. All I'm asking you to do is add yourself to the list. If you have kids and don't want to pay for a sitter, consider trading time with another woman in your life. She covers you for an hour on Tuesday and you return the favor Thursday. Reward yourself for the week's triumphs and forgive yourself for its mistakes. I don't mean reward yourself with a Dooney bag and forgive yourself for maxing out the credit card. Do one of the primping examples above or another inexpensive, yet pampering or indulging favorite. Pat yourself on the back for everything you do for everyone else and do a little something for yourself.

So which tip will you pick? Comment back with your experience or check in with me on Facebook or Twitter.

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