Animal Advocacy Can Become a New Habit

Let's say there's a new habit or initiative you've really been wanting to start, but you just can't seem to bring yourself around to it. James Clear, the author of the book Atomic Habits, has some of my favorite advice for how to get it going:

"Solve this problem by picking a new habit that is easy enough that you don't need motivation to do it. Rather than starting with 50 pushups per day, start with 5 pushups per day. Rather than trying to meditate for 10 minutes per day, start by meditating for one minute per day. Make it easy enough that you can get it done without motivation."

Leo Babauta puts this habit-creation tip another way: "Make it so easy you can't say no."

This technique applies to helping animals as well.

If you've been meaning to volunteer or start advocating for animals but never seem to get around to it, make your first steps so small that you can't say no. If you have a project you've been wanting to try, what's the smallest first step you can take?

I've personally used this technique many times to help myself build and rebuild habits and routines, so I feel good recommending it. I don't want to say it works like magic, but it's about as close as you can get without getting admitted to Hogwarts. 🪄 🧙‍♀️