Shrink the Decision Until It’s Embarrassing

When someone you love is chronically ill or declining, well-meaning advice sounds like an insult.

‘You need to take care of yourself! Join a yoga class! Go on a retreat!’

You can’t leave the house for 45 minutes, let alone go to an ashram in California. Your nervous system is redlining. When you are drowning, being handed a brochure for swimming lessons doesn’t help.

You have to shrink the decision until it is so small it feels embarrassing to say out loud.

Do not try to ‘get healthy.’ Walk to the end of the driveway and touch the mailbox. Then come back.

Do not try to ‘eat clean.’ Drink one 8-ounce glass of water before you pour your second coffee.

Do not try to ‘meditate for an hour.’ Close your eyes at the kitchen counter and take three deep breaths into your belly.

Action creates the appetite for more action. Make the barrier so low you trip over it into success.