Change is difficult. If you’re struggling to shift something in your life, you probably know this truth in a deep way. It doesn’t matter what it is. If you’re trying to change anything—starting a workout program, stopping biting your nails, quitting smoking—the truth is that it’s hard. Most change efforts involve a lot of time, effort, and struggle.

Changing Too Many Things at Once

People set themselves up for failure when they try to change too many things at once. For example, maybe you know you need to make some changes in your health, so you decide to start a workout program, eat healthier, AND improve your sleep habits. You are unlikely to succeed, because you’re trying to do too many things at once.

It’s Hard Enough to Change One Thing

It’s hard enough to change one thing, so stick with that. Leo Babauta, author of “The Power of Less,” recommends focusing on changing just one thing per month. That’s it. One thing. He says that if you focus on more, you risk losing focus and you aren’t likely to succeed.

Pick Your “One Thing”

I think there’s some wisdom here that we should follow. If you want to change something in your life, change one thing at a time. Pick the one thing you think will give you the most bang for your buck, and focus all your effort and energy on that one thing. Try to do something every day that will move you in the direction of the change you want to make.

Set Everything Else Aside… For Now

Set everything else to the side for now. You can get to it later. But for now, you need to focus on your one thing.

Focus Your Energy

See if you can focus all your energy and effort on your one thing for the next 30 days. After one month, reevaluate. If your one thing is in a good place, shift your focus and try to change something else.

Take Home Point

When making changes in your life, don’t try to change too many things at once. Change one thing at a time. Focus all your energy and effort toward that one thing, and see what happens.