Walk your talk… one step at a time

Unlike a computer programme, your software can never have zero-defects. Instead, try to think of self-improvement as trying to reach 98% bug-free. You will inevitably fail to meet your values some of the time, but those errors won't matter too much in the long run.

In order to effectively debug your inconsistencies, you need the right tools. There are many different strategies to debug, but I'd like to share a few tools that were "Aha!" moments for myself. These tools were the difference between using a scalpel and a blunt club for my own debugging:

1. 30 Day Trials. Commit to an idea for thirty days, every day. If you mess up on Day 29, you go back to the start. This tool has been invaluable for me in changing many different habits.

2. Writing out Goals. A goal doesn't matter unless it is on paper. This applies to simple goals like "Exercise tomorrow" as much as it applies to big goals like "Become a millionaire." Before I started writing out my goals, it was only my emotional compass that would decide whether something would get done that day.

3. Breaking Down Fears. If something terrifies you, chop it into pieces you can swallow. Public speaking was an area I took one speech at a time, taking on larger audiences and more difficult presentations. Training your courage like a muscle was a better strategy for me than relying on willpower.