Paddy Tan
3 min readFeb 2, 2025

The Power of Microhabits

Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Entrepreneurs often face burnout, decision fatigue, and the pressure to constantly innovate. But what if the secret to sustainable success isn’t grand gestures or overnight transformations?

It’s the microhabits! small, consistent actions - that compound over time to create profound results.

Microhabits are incremental, nearly effortless routines that require minimal willpower.

Examples:

- Spending 2 minutes reviewing daily cash flow

- Writing one sentence of gratitude before bed

- Sending a 30-second “thank you” message to a client

- 10 minutes of reading self-improvement books daily

These actions seem trivial, but they’re the building blocks of discipline, creativity, and resilience.

Why Microhabits Work for Entrepreneurs? At least to me, it is quite difficult to do something that I do not know of to be an expert or at least to the level where I can perform well enough to deliver. Going step by step in micro-steps as I called it, helps to get closer to the goals!

A. Neuroplasticity Wins

Your brain rewires itself through repetition. A 5-minute daily planning session trains your mind to prioritize strategically, reducing decision overwhelm.

B. The Compound Effect

Saving $10/day becomes $3,650/year. Similarly, dedicating 10 minutes daily to industry research builds expertise that sets you apart.

While I enjoy 1 sitting to finish up a self-improvement book, reading it 10 mins a day will also help me to concentrate on the lessons to learn.

C. Lower Resistance, Higher Consistency

Big goals intimidate; microhabits feel manageable. Want to network more? Start with one LinkedIn comment/day and you will be surprised how much engagement you can get out of it!

Some of the Microhabits that I practise myself:

A. Mindset

- Start meetings by noting one win. This fosters optimism and resilience in chaotic times.

- What’s the ONE task that will make everything else easier?

B. Productivity

- Work in 45-minute sprints to maintain focus, then 25-minutes rest

- Inbox Zero Lite: Process 5 emails immediately before breakfast. Small steps prevent overwhelm.

C. Health & Energy

- Drink a glass of water before a phone call or zoom meeting

- Desk Stretch Breaks: Every hour, do 60 seconds of stretching to avoid burnout.

D. Relationship

- Thank You - Send a quick appreciation note to a team member or client. Strengthens loyalty.

- Listen Deeply - In conversations, pause 3 seconds before replying. Builds trust and insight.

The Long Game: From Micro to Macro

Microhabits aren’t about perfection—they’re about progression. Over time, these tiny actions rewire your identity:

- “I’m someone who prioritizes strategy.”

- “I’m a leader who values relationships.”

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, said: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” As an entrepreneur, our microhabits are the system that propels you forward.

Call to Action!

  • Pick one microhabit
  • Commit to it for 21 days.
Paddy Tan
Paddy Tan

Written by Paddy Tan

I help Startups grow and scale in Southeast Asia. Within 100 days. Growth Strategist | Investor in Startups and SMEs | Scale Startups & Train Founders.

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