The Power of Micro Habits: Building Consistency for Big Results

Have you ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unaccomplished, like no matter what you do, you can’t
break free from the patterns holding you back? That’s exactly where I was when I decided to
commit to 75 Hard this January. I didn’t know it when I started at the beginning of this month, but
this program is continuing to teach me the power of micro habits—small, consistent actions that
can transform your life in ways never imagined.

But this isn’t a story about perfect execution. It’s a story about showing up, stumbling, learning,
and realizing that success isn’t found in checking off a list—it’s in the growth that happens along
the way.

I want to share my journey with you so far, not as someone who has it all figured out (believe
me, I definitely do not!!), but as someone who’s been in these shoes—struggling to keep
promises to herself, overwhelmed by life’s demands, and searching for a way to feel
empowered and aligned with her purpose.

Why I Started 75 Hard

I started 75 Hard because, let’s be real honest here, I was tired of failing myself. I was tired of
making promises I couldn’t keep, feeling stuck in my routine, looking at myself in the mirror and
seeing a face so drained of life’s stress staring back at me, and letting life pass me by without
meaningful progress. When I heard Taylor was going to run this 75 Hard program in the She
Leads group, I felt that uncomfortable twinge in my gut—the kind you feel when you know you’re
about to be stretched.

That discomfort told me everything I needed to know: I had to do it.

But this wasn’t just about proving something to myself. I saw it as an opportunity to grow
stronger in my faith, to serve God better, and to build a life rooted in discipline and
accountability.

How Small Habits Transformed My Life

For 75 days, I am committed to:

• 10 mins of prayer every morning and night
• Reading one Bible chapter daily
• Taking 10,000 steps each day
• Doing one act of service daily
• Working out 45 minutes, 5 times per week
• Memorizing one scripture per week
• Eliminating a vice (mine is processed sugar foods)
• No social media after 8 PM

These habits may seem simple, but let me tell you—they aren’t easy. The hardest part is
balancing my schedule and emotions. As women, we face hormonal changes, emotional
stressors, and endless responsibilities, and all of that has influenced my ability to stick to the
plan.

But here’s what I discovered just after two weeks into the challenge: small habits, done
consistently, can create massive change—even when you don’t get it perfect.

For example, starting and ending my day with prayer has strengthened my relationship with God
and brought a sense of peace and direction I haven’t felt in a long time. Walking 10,000 steps
daily (when I did it) teaches me the value of showing up even when I don’t feel like it. And
checking off these tasks each day gives me an unexpected energy boost—proof that even the
smallest victories can fuel us to keep going.

The Science Behind Micro Habits

Research shows that micro habits work because they are small enough to overcome resistance
yet powerful enough to create momentum. Psychologist BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits: The
Small Changes That Change Everything, explains that the secret to lasting change isn’t
willpower—it’s starting small and building over time.

When you achieve even a tiny goal, like drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or
walking for five minutes, you trigger a dopamine release. This “reward” strengthens your brain’s
association with the behavior, making it easier to repeat. Over time, these small wins
compound, leading to significant transformations.

My Struggles and Breakthroughs

There are moments in my day with 75 Hard that it’s easier to quit than to complete the list. My
life is not pausing to make this challenge easier—it actually got a lot busier with work events
and traveling multiple days a week, a new business venture to manage with the Untamed
University courses, and personal responsibilities at home pulling me in a million directions.

One night, after a particularly tough day, I sat on the couch, short of my 10,000 steps for the
day. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t care about the goal. It was absolutely freezing in Minnesota at
-10 below and windy. I just wanted to give up.

And, honestly? Eventually, I did.

In the past, that would’ve felt like complete failure. I would’ve justified skipping the steps, told
myself it wasn’t a big deal, and promised to “do better tomorrow.” But deep down, I know what
happens when I rely only on myself—I lose sight of my commitments, I let the frustration win,
and I break promises to myself.

This time, I realized something powerful: I hadn’t built a challenge, I had built a foundation.

Even when I stopped checking all the boxes, I didn’t stop showing up. I still prayed. I still moved
my body more than before. I still read scripture. The habits I am building aren’t just about
finishing 75 Hard—they’re about reshaping how I show up in my life, even on the hard days.

In the past, I wouldn’t have thought to ask God for help. I believed I had to do it all on my own,
and when I inevitably failed, I’d be consumed by guilt, shame, and self-doubt. That cycle of
self-reliance was one of my biggest downfalls. Without leaning on God, I lacked the foundation I
needed to stay consistent and committed to the goals I had for myself.

But this journey is teaching me something powerful: Discipline is more than willpower. Discipline
is about building a partnership with God—seeking Him in the hard moments and letting His
strength carry me when mine runs out.

Why Micro Habits Matter

I know how it feels to look at your life and wonder if real change is even possible. It’s
overwhelming, isn’t it? The to-do lists, the obligations, the constant pressure to have it all
together—it can make the idea of transformation feel impossible.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all at once.

Micro habits matter because they don’t demand perfection. They meet you where you are, no
matter how messy or complicated your life feels. They’re proof that even the smallest steps
forward are still steps forward.

For me, these small, consistent actions—praying, walking, showing up for myself—has become
a way to honor not just my goals, but who I am and who God is calling me to be.

If you’re reading this and feeling unsure or stuck, I want you to know: you’re not alone. You don’t
have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to change everything overnight. Start with
something small—one habit, one moment, one step. And know that even on the hard days, you
are capable of so much more than you think.

A Challenge for You

What’s one small habit you can start today? Maybe it’s journaling for five minutes before bed,
swapping 10 minutes of scrolling for 10 minutes of movement, or starting your day with prayer and connection with God. Whatever it is, make it something that feels attainable and meaningful
to you.

Remember, massive transformations don’t come from one big leap—they’re built one small,
consistent step at a time. On the days when it feels hard, lean on this promise:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

No matter where you’re starting from or how overwhelming it feels, know that God’s strength is
there to carry you through. You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Let me know what habit you’re starting with—I’d love to encourage you and walk this journey
with you!

Ready to take the leap? Visit theuntameduniversity.com and discover how faith-driven entrepreneurship can transform your business and life. Let’s build something extraordinary together!

Sarah Gruber
Instagram: @sarahgruber33
Sarah Gruber is a marketing professional and event creator with a heart for sharing God’s truth and inspiring others to walk boldly in faith.