Most people think change happens when you set giant goals and overhaul your entire life.
That mindset? A recipe for burnout.
Instead, try this: focus on tiny, consistent actions.
That’s what the Minimum Viable Intervention (MVI) model is all about.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. Small, manageable steps that compound into big results over time.
Think of MVI like planting seeds.
You’re not trying to grow a forest overnight. You’re just putting one seed in the ground—every day—and letting time do its thing.
How MVI Works
Life is a system. Everything’s connected—your habits, behaviors, and outcomes.
You don’t have to fix everything at once.
You just need to find the smallest leverage point (a keystone habit) that can create a ripple effect.
Start small. Stay consistent. Let the momentum build.
Key MVI Principles
1. Start with the Smallest Possible Action
Big goals are overwhelming. The smaller the action, the easier it is to start.
- Example: Want to get fit? Don’t commit to a hardcore 5-day workout plan. Start by drinking one extra glass of water or taking a 5-minute walk.
- Why it works: Small steps feel achievable. They’re less intimidating and easier to turn into habits.
2. Consistency Beats Intensity
Anyone can go hard for a week. But lasting change? That comes from showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Example: Write one paragraph a day. Doesn’t seem like much, but in 30 days, you’ve got pages. In a year, maybe a book.
- Why it works: Consistency rewires your brain. Repetition builds habits through a process called neuroplasticity.
3. Focus on Action, Not Outcomes
When you obsess over long-term results, it’s easy to quit. The MVI model shifts your focus to what you can do today.
- Example: Want to save $10K? Don’t stress about hitting that number right away. Start by saving $1 today or tracking one expense.
- Why it works: Small wins build confidence. They compound over time, leading to bigger results without overwhelming you.
MVI in Real Life
- Health:
Forget the extreme workout plans. Start with 10 minutes of stretching or walking daily. Build from there. - Emotional Well-Being:
Overwhelmed by stress? Start with one mindful breath. Eventually, it can evolve into a full mindfulness practice. - Relationships:
Want to improve your relationship? Start by giving your partner a genuine compliment every day. Small, positive actions strengthen the connection over time. - Productivity:
Procrastinating on a big project? Commit to working on it for 5 minutes. Often, getting started is the hardest part. Once you do, momentum kicks in.
Why MVI Works: The Momentum Effect
Newton’s first law: an object in motion stays in motion. MVI operates on the same principle.
- Momentum fuels motivation. Small wins trigger dopamine, making you want to keep going.
- Small wins build confidence. Each tiny success reinforces the belief that change is possible. Over time, this boosts self-efficacy—your belief in your ability to influence your outcomes.
Why MVI Beats the “All or Nothing” Trap
Most people get stuck in the “all or nothing” mindset. They go all in, burn out, and quit.
MVI solves that by removing the pressure. No massive goals. No unrealistic expectations. Just small, consistent actions.
Here’s why it works:
- No overwhelm: Tiny steps feel doable.
- No burnout: Small actions are sustainable.
- No procrastination: When the task is small, there’s no excuse not to start.
How to Use MVI in Your Life
- Identify Your Big Goal:
What’s the overarching change you want? (e.g., “Get healthier,” “Write a book,” “Improve my relationship”) - Break It Down:
What’s the smallest step you can take today? (e.g., “Drink one extra glass of water,” “Write one sentence,” “Give a compliment”) - Set Reminders:
Use sticky notes, phone alerts, or calendar events to remind yourself to take action. - Track Progress:
Keep it simple. Check a box each day you complete your small action. Progress—even tiny progress—feels good. - Celebrate Small Wins:
Reward yourself for showing up. Small wins create momentum, and momentum drives lasting change.
Final Thought: Why Small Wins Matter
Change isn’t about giant leaps. It’s about tiny steps taken consistently. That’s the magic of the MVI model.
Big results? They’re just the sum of small actions done over time.
So, ask yourself: What’s the smallest action I can take today? Then take it. Keep it simple. Keep it consistent.
Because transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one small win at a time.
This post was inspired by Mel Robbins interview with Tal Ben-Shahar.
