Zoom in for action, zoom out for motivation

We all know that breaking down a task to the smallest possible step makes it easier to defeat overwhelm and get started, but did you know it can also make it easier to forget why you’re doing it in the first place? Let’s use brushing your teeth as an example. I broke down the task of brushing my teeth to “stand in front of bathroom sink” but sometimes that seems so insignificant that I’d rather put it off and do something else first. Zooming back out by asking some “Why?” questions can help. Why do I need to stand in front of the bathroom sink? So I can brush my teeth. Why? So I can have good oral hygiene. Why? To prevent bad breath and mouth disease. Why? So I can have a social life, good health, and save money. And now we’ve linked standing in front of the sink with being happier, healthier, and richer! That’s pretty motivating, if you ask me!