5 Good Minutes

One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits by James Clear. Such a terrific guide to build systems and rituals to achieve our goals.

Recently, I was watching an interview that Clear did with Tim Ferris — and I was drawn to the insight he gave:

“All the results you want are a lagging measure of your habits. Your bank account is a lagging measure of your financial habits. Your physical fitness is a lagging measure of your training habits. I don’t think that means you have to be radical about it or upend your life. All you have to do is focus on having 5 good minutes.”

What I like about this it greatly reduces the mental strain of progress.

• Pressed for time an hour workout? Try a 5-minute walk.

• Stuck on a long presentation? Try a 5-minute brainstorm.

• Dreading a chore you’ve been putting off? Try a 5-minute clean.

Everything adds up, even if it’s minuscule. What can you get done in 5️⃣?