Big goals often feel overwhelming.
It’s like standing at the base of a mountain, staring at the peak, and thinking, How will I ever get there?
But what if you didn’t have to scale the mountain all at once?
What if all you had to focus on was taking one small step at a time?
This principle was beautifully illustrated in a study on saving money.
Participants were asked to commit to saving either $150 a month or $5 a day.
Mathematically, these two goals are identical—$5 a day adds up to $150 a month.
Yet, when presented with the choice, three times as many people committed to saving $5 a day.
Why?
Because $5 a day feels achievable.
It’s the cost of a coffee or a snack, not an intimidating lump sum.
People could immediately visualize small daily sacrifices they could make—like skipping a fancy latte or packing lunch instead of eating out.
The idea of saving $150 a month, on the other hand, seemed like a bigger and scarier financial commitment, even though it amounted to the same thing.
This shift in perspective—from a daunting monthly goal to a manageable daily action—was the key to success.
By focusing on small, bite-sized steps, participants felt empowered to start saving without the fear of financial strain.
Why Bite-Sized Goals Work
- Reduces Overwhelm: Big goals feel heavy and can trigger procrastination. Breaking them into smaller parts makes them manageable and less intimidating.
- Creates Quick Wins: Small goals let you experience success faster, which boosts motivation. Saving $5 today feels like a win, while $150 at the end of the month feels distant.
- Encourages Momentum: Small, consistent actions compound over time. Once you achieve a small step, you’re more likely to take the next.
- Fits into Daily Routines: It’s easier to integrate small actions into your day than to overhaul your entire lifestyle. Small changes feel less disruptive.
- Shifts Focus to Process, Not Outcome: Bite-sized goals keep you grounded in the how, rather than being overwhelmed by the what.
Applications of Bite-Sized Goals
This approach extends far beyond saving money. Let’s explore how it can be applied to other areas of life:
- Fitness: Instead of committing to losing 20 pounds, aim for a 10-minute walk each day. Over time, that walk could grow into a jog or a full workout routine.
- Learning a Skill: Want to learn a new language? Start with one new word or phrase a day instead of trying to tackle grammar rules and full conversations at once.
- Decluttering: Instead of vowing to organize your entire house, start with one drawer or one shelf. Success in small areas builds momentum for larger projects.
- Healthier Eating: Don’t try to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start with one change, like adding a vegetable to every meal or drinking more water.
- Productivity: Rather than completing an entire project in one sitting, break it into smaller tasks and focus on one task per day.
A Real-Life Example: The 4-Hour Volunteering Plan
In another study, researchers worked with volunteers who had committed to donating 200 hours of their time over the course of a year.
For many, 200 hours felt like an enormous commitment—difficult to achieve on top of their existing responsibilities.
The researchers reframed the goal.
Instead of asking volunteers to think about 200 hours, they asked them to focus on just 4 hours a week.
This small adjustment had a huge impact.
Volunteers felt the goal was manageable and realistic, and they followed through more consistently.
Framing the goal in bite-sized increments made it feel achievable and turned an intimidating commitment into a routine habit.
How to Create Bite-Sized Goals
- Break Down the Big Picture: Take your overarching goal and divide it into small, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to write a book, start with a single paragraph or even a sentence a day.
- Set Specific, Measurable Tasks: Vague goals like “save money” or “get fit” don’t work. Instead, aim for specific, measurable actions like “save $5 daily” or “do 10 push-ups.”
- Attach Goals to Existing Habits: Pair small goals with habits you already have. For instance, meditate for one minute after brushing your teeth.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for completing each small step. Positive reinforcement strengthens the habit.
- Adjust as Needed: If even small goals feel daunting, break them down further. Instead of running a mile, start with a jog around the block.
The Big Payoff of Small Steps
Bite-sized goals aren’t just about making progress—they’re about changing your mindset.
By focusing on what you can do today, you build confidence, create momentum, and prove to yourself that change is possible.
Just like $5 a day can turn into $150 a month, one small step can lead to a giant leap toward achieving your dreams.
So, what’s your $5-a-day step today?
This post was inspired by Mark Williamson's interview with Katy Milkman by Action for Happiness.
