Easy Wins

When I play a game, I don’t want any easy wins.

For example:

I play chess. It’s easy for me to beat a player rated significantly below me, but doing so over & over again does not improve my game.

The way to improve my chess game is to play against players of equal or greater rating, and lose more often than I win.

So, in some domains, based on your goals, easy wins are not helpful.

On the other hand, if you’re stuck or frustrated with something, easy wins might be just what you need to move forward.

For example:

You’ve stopped going to the gym regularly, again, which is a pattern you’ve followed all your life; joining gyms, buying programs or equipment, but never actually sticking with any of them long enough to get and stay in shape.

Here, you don’t need something more challenging.

You need something less challenging.

You need an easy win.

What’s the smallest, easiest workout you can do today?

Walk for 20 minutes?

Do a 10-minute workout in front of your TV?

Do as many kettlebell swings as you can in 5 minutes?

All three count.

All three are easy wins.

If you’re frustrated and looking to build long-term momentum, start with easy wins.