If you’re attempting to establish a new habit, like getting in shape, I recently heard some simple yet profound advice: don’t focus on the specifics of exercise; focus on being the person who shows up at the gym. This may sound odd at first, but there’s a subtle wisdom in that statement.

New habits need time to snowball into significant lifestyle changes. Beginners in fitness don’t usually arrive at their first scheduled workout with a comprehensive plan for workout frequency, training style, or the ideal intensity for each session. That understanding comes with time, experience, and often, guidance from a personal trainer or the supportive community of regular attendees.

Image by DALL-E, OpenAI

If the goal is to be in shape, the first step is simply to show up. This may seem silly, but for someone who claims to be allergic to exercise, I might suggest starting by just driving to the gym, parking, waiting for one minute, and then heading home. But the key is to do this every day for a week. The next week, their mission might be to enter the gym, walk around, and then leave. Pretty soon, the person realizes the absurdity of this routine and decides to do some basic, light exercise before departing. And that’s a win—because something is always better than nothing. With enough time and momentum, the effort builds on itself, and an established regimen naturally develops.

This principle isn’t limited to fitness. Consider other areas where this mindset can be scaled. For instance, if repeated attempts at maintaining a morning meditation practice have failed, what if the habit simply started with standing in your meditation space and taking three long, slow breaths before continuing with your day? Over time, you may feel inspired to sit for one minute, gradually increasing your time by one minute each week. Within a few months, a sustainable rhythm could form, one that emphasizes quality over quantity—a practice that feels natural rather than forced.

If you’re trying to eat more vegetables, you could start with one new recipe each weekend that features the vegetable of your choice. If that dish doesn’t suit your palate, try a different recipe with the same vegetable the following weekend. The goal is to find a preparation method you enjoy and then put that vegetable into regular rotation. This approach turns the process into a playful experiment rather than a restrictive obligation.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are healthy habits. Often, we set ourselves up for failure by expecting too much, too soon. There are countless ways to overcome obstacles, but the most effective way is to start with a single, simple act: showing up. This approach honors the journey of self-improvement as a process of steady growth rather than an all-or-nothing endeavor.

By focusing on consistency rather than perfection, we give ourselves the grace and space to evolve. As momentum builds, our habits shift from being a struggle to becoming a natural part of who we are. So, ask yourself: where can you start showing up today, even in the smallest way? The answer might surprise you—because often, the first step is all it takes to set everything else in motion.