Forget big change, start with a tiny habit: BJ Fogg at TEDxFremont

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[DonYutuc]

Dr. Fogg's book, "Tiny Habits" is a must-read. This video is must-watch. Thank you, BJ. AFTER I WATCH EVERY YOUTUBE VIDEO, I reach out to someone, text mostly, and say you are awesome, in an appropriate way. Gracias amigos. Who's watching with me in 2024?

[jordanjamison]

After I watch a Ted talk, I will write 1 sentence of my essay that's due tomorrow.

[DoodlingwithStrangersFun]

This video helped me write a book that's about to be published. Thank you so much, BJ. I am acknowledging you in my thank yous. I'll post again when the book is released!

[RD-kjbb]

This really works.

About a year ago I started doing 5 pushups every time I put on shaving cream and am waiting to shave. It's now almost impossible for me to not do 20-30 pushups every time I shave. The only time I don't do pushups is when I don't shave.

[ravinsharma]

This is true, to achieve goals, you need focus on the small step, not the goal itself. Small steps are clearly defined actions.

[janehenderson]

I started meditating for 10 mins a day after my morning alarm went off. I now do it first thing every morning, last thing at night, and quite often for 20 mins during the day! I feel SOOO much better and stronger!

[broadbandtogod]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I am finally in control of my life. This lecture is truly the key to getting the life you want. Just got to 70 hindu pushups a day, I am ableing myself to crack bad childhood memories by forgiving people, correcting weak behaviours and so much more. This, changed my life.

[DaveDuarte]

Master teacher at work. He makes a potentially complex subject relatable, understandable, actionable, and replicable.

[cacampbell]

I was introduced to the concept of 'small steps' decades ago and it helped me quit smoking in 1981. Took me three years back then, but have not relapsed, suffer no cravings; I'm 'home free'! Awesome!!!
Now I'm struggling with PTSD, poverty, agoraphobia, isolation, AND deeply entrenched defences that translate into bad habits. One is suicidal ideation!
Indescribably grateful to have stumbled on this YouTube video! (I entered "Change behaviour" in the search bar.)
Am so excited to start my life over again, differently, now!!!

[cvdp]

THANK YOU!!!! I was making a presentation about how we can motivate our patients to increase their oral health and teeth brushing habits, and this presentation has made me throw every slide out of the window. I not only learned the most effective way to motivate our patients, but also how to better my own life!

[jcepri]

I bought his book a few weeks ago and Ive read 1/2 of it. I can tell you that this book is different from others on forming habits. This one has a few extra ingredients that have given me a lot of hope. The simple act of acknowledging your awesomeness every time somehow reinforces the behavior. Also, anchoring them to existing behaviors and making them super easy makes SO much sense.

[imug]

After i watch a good video,
i will leave a comment.

[youisaac]

Fogg's format for a tiny habit is awesome and stellar!
Thanks for the good lecture and wonderful tip that can have big impact for the rest of my life!

[juliechipo]

Thank you SO much BJ Fogg. This was SO helpful. I read your book over a year ago but felt to watch this today and it’s been a fantastic reminder at a timely point in my life. Thank you!

[Rcuwomen]

I think to many people look at something like getting into shape as a huge undertaking that is to big to even start. I was one of those people, but I started with doing 5 squat's each time I took a dog out. With 2 dogs that want outside many times a day, those squat's are adding up.

Then I added doing things like, leg lifts while waiting for email to log in, or a page to load. Small hand weights are also sitting near by that I can grab while Facebook logs in...so, I am doing the same things I have always done, but I am getting in a bit more exercise while I work. I just keep adding a small bit at a time...I may never be Super Women, but I am closer now than I was a couple of weeks ago.

I would never belong to a gym and planning to add a BIG new peice to my day was not in the cards, so these little things are the only way to go. And yes, I need a trigger. ;-}

Sheryl

[mauxnotes]

i think this concept can also be used to break a bad habit. For example, if you wanna break the habit of unnecessary eating at midnight, you start by saying “whenever I feel hungry at midnight, I will drink water instead.” It’s like diverting your response to a new one from cues that leads you to bad habits or behavior. Idk if that works, just some realizations which I might try. Will get back here if that works for me. Reaaly love this Ted talk btw. 👍🏻

[Joy_esprida]

This is true, I started picking up a book each day to try to break me free from my internet addiction. I started with a goal of at least 10-20/30 pgs a day, now I literally go out of my way to read to relax & get lost everyday lol

[frankfromupstateny]

I am endeavoring to get "back in the saddle of life" with renewed motivation and a reason to "endeavor" beyond a paycheck and having "stuff" in my life.

We all need mentors, books, teachers, ....and we also must be willing to teach others who may ask us something.  Small successes and the "dance", probably helps to rewire our brains.  Our brains are, or have plasticity.

[dymetrapernell]

I love this!!!! Love, love, LOVE it!!!! Great work Mr. Fogg. I can't wait until your modules are available for purchase.

[QuickTalks]

Key Point: "Set the habit you want to make right after something you already do."
i.e. Do 2 pushups right after going to the bathroom or flossing just 1 tooth after brushing your teeth. What's important is to make the habit TINY so that you will do it no matter how tired or unmotivated you are, yet you will be creating the seed for a good habit nonetheless.
(Also that you should praise yourself after doing the habit. Tell yourself "I'm awesome!" or pump your fists in the air)