Small Habit Building: Removing Obstacles to Make Change Easier

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to make a good choice when it’s the most convenient option? Take meal prep, for example. When I take the time to cut up and wash veggies, everyone in my house—including me—actually eats them. But if they sit unwashed in the fridge, they’re more likely to be ignored, slowly wilting away until they’re tossed out. It’s not that I don’t want to eat more vegetables; it’s that when an extra step is in the way, I’m far less likely to follow through.

This simple observation isn’t just about food—it’s about habit-building in every area of life. Often, it’s not the habit itself that’s hard; it’s the friction between us and the habit that makes it feel impossible. When we remove obstacles, we create space for small changes that actually stick.

Mindfulness & Small Habits: Making It Easier to Show Up

Mindfulness, self-care, and intentional living are no different. We might love the idea of slowing down, breathing deeply, or being more present, but when there are too many steps between us and the action, we rarely follow through.

Maybe you want to start journaling but never seem to get around to it. If your notebook is tucked away in a drawer, it’s easy to forget. But if it’s sitting on your nightstand with a pen ready to go, that small change can make all the difference.

Or maybe you want to meditate for five minutes a day but keep putting it off. Instead of relying on willpower, what if you set up a comfortable spot with a cushion and kept your phone on Do Not Disturb during that time? Removing the friction makes it easier to follow through.

Removing Obstacles in Everyday Life

We all have habits we want to build, but if they feel hard or complicated, we’re far less likely to do them. Instead of beating yourself up for not being disciplined enough, try asking:

1. What small step is standing in my way?

   • Do I need to find my yoga mat every time I want to stretch?
   • Am I constantly searching for my water bottle instead of just keeping one nearby?

2. How can I make the habit effortless?

   • If I want to read more, can I leave a book where I normally scroll my phone?
   • If I want to move more, can I keep comfortable shoes by the door for a quick walk?

3. Can I connect it to something I already do?

   • If I want to practice gratitude, can I list three things I’m grateful for while brushing my teeth?
   • If I want to drink more water, can I sip some before my morning coffee?

The Small Shifts That Make a Big Impact

At the end of the day, we don’t need more willpower—we need less friction. Removing obstacles makes it easier to make choices that align with the life we want.

The best part? Once a habit becomes second nature, it no longer requires extra effort. Just like cut-up veggies get eaten, simple, accessible habits get done. And when we make showing up for ourselves easier, consistency becomes effortless.