FIVE SMALL STARTS
A week of actions, not speeches.
Use these five steps to make a realistic promise, try it for seven days, and learn from the result. You can do this alone or invite another adult to join you.
01Listen before decidingListen
What would make this week a little easier?
Day 1: Ask someone at home. Let them finish. Repeat back what you heard before suggesting a solution. Keep their answer private.
02Pick a promise you controlChoose
What can you reliably do in fifteen minutes?
Day 2: Choose one action you can actually carry out: handle a recurring chore, put away your phone for a conversation, or prepare tomorrow’s shared task. Avoid promising how someone else will feel.
03Make the next step visibleAct
When and where will you follow through?
Days 3–5: Attach your action to an existing moment. “After dinner, I will clear the kitchen.” If you miss it, name what happened and make a smaller, specific plan.
04Repair without excusesRepair
Is there something you need to put right?
Day 6: If you let someone down, acknowledge the specific action and its effect. Ask what repair would help. Let the other person respond in their own time.
05Ask what helpedReview
What should you keep, change, or stop?
Day 7: Ask for feedback without arguing with it. Keep one useful habit for another week. Leadership is not a perfect streak; it is taking responsibility for your next action.
Designed for adults. Invite participation, respect a “no,” and do not use the exercise to pressure others or score their behavior. Keep written reflections private.