When it comes to changing one’s life, who doesn’t have a wish list? Eating more healthily, exercising, saving money, being more productive, sleeping better, travelling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

The only thing longer than the list itself is often the time it takes to actually put any change into practice. But why is it so difficult to follow through?

According to B.J. Fogg, founder of the Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford University and author of Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything (HarperCollins), “change is easy once it starts and grows by itself.”

Fogg has spent 20 years researching human behaviour and argues that micro-habits are the key to closing the gap between what we aspire to and what we actually do.

Instead of focusing on major resolutions—often attempted at the start of the year and quickly abandoned—he suggests breaking aspirations into tiny behaviours. By embedding habits that take less than 30 seconds, people can gradually build routines that last.

When we think of eating better or exercising, we tend to imagine doing it every day—yet quickly discover there isn’t enough time.

“With the Tiny Habits method, you focus on small actions that take less than 30 seconds. These new habits take root and then grow naturally,” Fogg explains. One example is what he calls the “Maui Habit”: after waking each morning, say, “today is going to be a great day”, and celebrate with a smile.

Interestingly, the “Maui Habit” echoes a biblical truth. In Isaiah 14:24 it reads: “As I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”

Fogg also emphasises that “what is tiny is transformative,” bringing to mind another biblical passage: “Do not despise these small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10).

Do you feel your faith is stagnant or your spiritual life is shallow? Small, consistent habits can make a big difference. For example, many people spend their free time scrolling through social media, seeking brief moments of pleasure that often leave them feeling empty or unfulfilled.

Instead of unproductive scrolling, consider using your free moments to strengthen your spiritual life. Read a Bible verse during a break, or listen to an inspiring message on Liberty Radio (now available on DAB). These small, consistent habits can deepen your connection to God and make you spiritually stronger.

At the Universal Church, we encourage you to build your faith through weekly gatherings. Join us on Wednesdays at 7:30pm, or at 7am, 10am, or 3pm for powerful meetings that help you cultivate habits to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

Make it a habit, and watch your life flourish!