Changing Your Life One Step at a Time with Kurzgesagt
Changing Your Life One Step at a Time with Kurzgesagt
Kurzgesagt (In a Nutshell, in German) is a YouTube channel that produces charming and well-written short videos on a diverse array of topics, from epidemiology to outer space. Each one is jam-packed with information, neatly delivered in the calming voice of the narrator. My favorite of the videos is most certainly the series of videos on self-improvement.
There are lessons about combating loneliness, about life and morality, but perhaps the most galvanizing is the video titled “Changing Your Life — One Step at a Time.” It’s a manual of sorts- a guide to finding inspiration to start developing new skills and living the life we’ve dreamed of living. Perhaps what makes these videos inspiring is that they are relatable.
The narrator understands that big ideas sometimes fall through when you don’t set up the right circumstances for victory. It’s clear from the comments that viewers feel the same way. Instead of pointing out mistakes and ways in which people tend to fall short of their goals, Kurzgesagt motivates by pointing to opportunities for success, when aspirants evade pitfalls.
So how is it that we’re encouraged to make dreams realities, one step at a time? Just that- take one step at a time, suggests Kurzgesagt.
Even the biggest trees start as saplings. The hardest work isn’t the final stretch of the race, when the glorious finish is in sight, but the gruesomely difficult start and the dry, painful middle portion. Hobbies and new achievements start from good habits, according to the video. Habits are developed from consistent practice.
The Kurzgesagt Habit Journal offers a suggestion. To create habits, first present yourself with a simple activity (that will form the building block, or the one step). Example: “Do ten squats.”
Next, the suggestion is to find a trigger to do that activity. Relatably, Kurzgesagt identifies the possibility that aspiring habit makers may find the building block step too inconvenient to do. Or perhaps the habitant is too lazy. In either case, a trigger 
removes the barriers to performing the activity and makes it easier to do. Example: “My yoga mat already laid out.” If you wake up to your yoga mat ready, it’ll be harder to convince yourself to skip the squats.
Finally, Reflect, says Kurzgesagt. What can improve the habit-making? Example: “I need to have clean workout clothes.”
It seems so simple, but forming good habits can really change a life. Think it’s impossible? I challenge you to try!
