Getting Out of Your Own Way: The Path to True and Lasting Transformation
Transformation is something we all crave at different points in life. Whether it’s improving our health, cultivating better habits, or growing spiritually, the desire to change is universal. Yet, one of the biggest barriers to true and lasting transformation is ourselves. We get in our own way—through self-doubt, procrastination, and bad habits. But what if the key to transformation isn’t about overhauling everything at once, but rather about making small, sustainable changes that compound over time?
In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of getting out of your own way by using strategies that focus on incremental improvements. We'll draw insights from "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg and "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, both of which emphasize that real, lasting change doesn’t come from massive effort, but from small shifts in behavior. Finally, we’ll look at a case study to see what happens when someone successfully removes themselves as an obstacle to transformation.
1. Why We Are Our Own Worst Enemy
Getting in your own way often means allowing negative thought patterns, self-sabotage, and entrenched habits to block your path to progress. We might set lofty goals—such as losing 50 pounds or starting a new business—but end up overwhelmed by the size of the task. This leads to procrastination or abandoning the goal altogether. Often, it’s not the external obstacles that are holding us back but internal ones: fear of failure, limiting beliefs, or perfectionism.
In "Tiny Habits," BJ Fogg explains, "We are not the problem. Our approach to change is." He suggests that we often fail to change because we try to do too much at once. When our goals are too big or unrealistic, they set us up for failure, leading to frustration and discouragement.
Similarly, James Clear, in "Atomic Habits," says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Clear points out that we often focus too much on the end goal without addressing the systems and habits that will get us there. These systems are the everyday behaviors and mindsets that, over time, compound into real transformation. If we build the right systems—tiny habits that lead us in the right direction—we’ll naturally get out of our own way and allow change to happen.
2. Tiny Steps Toward Big Change
BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits method is centered on the idea that transformation starts with very small, almost ridiculously easy steps. The idea is to make changes so small they feel effortless, so you are more likely to stick with them. He gives an example of flossing just one tooth. While this may seem insignificant, the point is that by making the task easier, you remove the mental resistance associated with it. The success of flossing one tooth creates momentum, making it easier to increase the habit over time.
In the same vein, James Clear's Atomic Habits emphasizes that making small, 1% improvements in daily habits can lead to significant transformations over time. “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement,” Clear writes. These tiny actions, repeated consistently, accumulate to produce results far greater than we initially imagine. The beauty of this approach is that it’s not about making dramatic changes overnight but focusing on small wins that eventually add up.
3. Case Study: The Power of Small Changes
Let’s take the story of Sarah, a 35-year-old woman who wanted to get in shape but always found herself giving up after a few weeks of intense effort. She’d start with strict workout regimens and highly restrictive diets, but these efforts always felt unsustainable. As soon as she encountered a busy week or a moment of stress, she’d fall off the wagon and revert to old habits.
One day, Sarah read "Atomic Habits" and was struck by the concept of focusing on systems, not goals. She decided to change her approach and instead of starting with a strict workout plan, she committed to doing just five minutes of exercise each day. This might have been a single set of squats or a quick walk around the block. Similarly, she made tiny tweaks to her eating habits, such as adding one vegetable to her dinner.
At first, the results were barely noticeable, but she stuck with it because the changes were so easy. After a few weeks, Sarah noticed she had more energy and felt more motivated to increase her workouts. Her five-minute exercises turned into 10, then 20 minutes. Six months later, she had lost weight, felt stronger, and had a healthier relationship with food—all without ever feeling overwhelmed.
Sarah’s transformation was not the result of a grand gesture but of small, consistent habits that compounded over time. She had removed herself as the obstacle by lowering the barrier to entry and embracing the process, not just the outcome.
4. Building Systems That Get You Out of Your Own Way
The lesson here is clear: If you want lasting change, stop focusing solely on the end goal and start building systems that make success inevitable. Here are a few ways to get out of your own way and begin your true transformation:
Start Small: Don’t aim for drastic changes overnight. Begin with a tiny habit, whether it’s reading one page of a book, doing one push-up, or drinking one extra glass of water a day.
Create Triggers: In "Tiny Habits," Fogg teaches the importance of linking new habits to existing ones. For example, if you want to develop a gratitude habit, you can start by saying one thing you’re grateful for right after brushing your teeth each morning. This linkage removes the guesswork of when to perform the habit.
Focus on Systems, Not Goals: Instead of fixating on the big goal, focus on the daily process that will get you there. If your goal is to write a book, commit to writing for just five minutes every day. Let your small actions build over time.
Celebrate Small Wins: Both Fogg and Clear emphasize the importance of celebrating small successes. Positive reinforcement encourages you to keep going, even when the changes feel minor. Each tiny victory moves you closer to your goal.
5. Conclusion: The Compound Effect of Getting Out of Your Own Way
True and lasting transformation doesn’t come from grand declarations or monumental efforts. It comes from small, daily actions that compound over time. As James Clear says, “The secret to getting results that last is to never stop making improvements.” By focusing on systems over goals and embracing small habits, you can remove the internal barriers that hold you back.
The journey to transformation starts with the decision to get out of your own way—and that decision is made not once but in every small action, every day. Following these principles, you’ll not only achieve your goals but also build habits that serve you for a lifetime.
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