Why "Just Do It" Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), Mind Sculpture Part 1
Written by Chandra Eden, The True Me Yogi
One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way
Author: Robert Maurer, Ph.D.
"We are often told that the best way to make a change is feet first, plunging ahead in the hopes that momentum will carry us past fear and resistance. In physical fitness, this idea takes the form of the popular exhortation "Just do it!" In dating, networking and giving presentations, we're told, "Fake it till you make it." But imagine a shy person who tries to fake it by attending a cocktail party solo, giving air kisses to strangers and pretending to feel confident and charming. That person is likely to find the experience so excruciating that she goes straight home to bed with a headache, vowing never to do that sort of thing again.
It may come as a relief to know that there's a nearly painless way to train yourself to perform difficult tasks, even those you think are unsuited to your nature and talents. This method, called Mind Sculpture, can help you run a tough race, go out on blind dates, or talk to employees more effectively.
Mind sculpture takes advantage of cutting edge neuroscience, which suggests that the brain learns best not in large dramatic doses - "Just do it! - but in very small increments, smaller than ever believed possible."
Why "Just Do It" Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead)
Ah, the classic advice: “Just do it!” It’s the rallying cry of motivational posters, fitness ads, and well-meaning friends who think you can conquer your fears by sheer force of will. And sure, it sounds bold and empowering—until you’re the one standing at the edge of the metaphorical cliff, staring into the abyss of your own anxiety, thinking, “Do what, exactly?!”
Let’s be honest: “Just do it” works great if you’re already 90% confident and just need a little nudge. But for the rest of us—mere mortals with self-doubt, overthinking tendencies, and a healthy fear of public humiliation—it’s about as helpful as telling someone to “just relax” during a panic attack. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work.
So, what’s the alternative? How do you tackle life’s challenges without throwing yourself into the deep end and hoping you’ll magically learn to swim? Enter: the art of small, sneaky steps. It’s like hacking your brain to make change feel less like a terrifying leap and more like a casual stroll. Let’s dive in.
The Problem with Faking It
Before we get to the solution, let’s talk about another popular piece of advice: “Fake it till you make it.” On paper, it sounds genius. Pretend to be confident, and eventually, you’ll trick yourself into actually being confident. Easy, right?
Not so fast. Imagine this scenario: You’re a shy introvert who decides to “fake it” by attending a networking event solo. You walk in, plaster on a smile, and start air-kissing strangers like you’re auditioning for a role in a rom-com. Within minutes, you’re sweating, your brain is screaming, “Abort mission!”, and you’re Googling the nearest exit. By the time you get home, you’re so traumatized you vow never to leave your house again.
The problem with faking it is that it often feels, well, fake. And when you’re already nervous, pretending to be someone you’re not can make the whole experience even more stressful. Instead of building confidence, you end up reinforcing the belief that you’re out of your depth.
The Power of Tiny, Sneaky Steps
So, if “just do it” and “fake it till you make it” are off the table, what’s left? The answer lies in neuroscience, which tells us that the brain learns best in small, manageable doses. Think of it as the slow-cooker method of self-improvement: low and slow, but oh-so-effective.
Here’s how it works:
Instead of diving headfirst into a scary task, you break it down into the tiniest possible steps.
Each step is so small, it feels almost laughable. But that’s the point—it’s so easy, your brain doesn’t freak out.
Over time, these small steps build momentum, confidence, and new neural pathways, making the task feel less daunting.
It’s like sneaking vegetables into a picky eater’s diet. Your brain doesn’t even realize it’s being tricked into change.
Why This Works
The beauty of small steps is that they bypass your brain’s fear response. When you take on a task that feels manageable, your brain doesn’t sound the alarm. Instead, it thinks, “Oh, this is easy. No big deal.” Over time, these small wins add up, creating a snowball effect that leads to big change.
It’s like tricking your brain into thinking you’re not actually changing—until one day, you look back and realize you’ve come a long way.
The Humor in Small Steps
Let’s be real: some of these tiny actions might feel ridiculous. Putting on running shoes without actually running? Smiling at a stranger like you’re in a toothpaste commercial? It’s okay to laugh at yourself. In fact, having a sense of humor about the process makes it more enjoyable—and less intimidating.
Change doesn’t have to be a dramatic, soul-crushing ordeal. It can be a series of small, silly, and surprisingly effective steps. And honestly, isn’t that a lot more fun?
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re faced with a daunting challenge, resist the urge to “just do it” or “fake it till you make it.” Instead, take a deep breath and ask yourself: What’s the tiniest step I can take right now? Then do that. And then the next tiny step. And the next.
Before you know it, you’ll be making progress without even realizing it. And who knows? You might even enjoy the journey. Because sometimes, the best way to tackle life’s big challenges is to start small—and laugh along the way.