Habits take time to develop.

Some are easier to integrate into our existing routines, and some take more effort.

Take exercising as an example. We know it benefits us in many ways. Yet, making time for it—alongside other more “urgent” tasks—takes conscious effort. And when the effort outweighs the benefits (in our minds), we put it off. For a week, a year, or an entire decade.

Here’s an alternative: ease into it.

If working out for 45 minutes is too big of a commitment, how about 5 minutes? Set the timer as you start, and once it’s at 300 seconds, call it! Do it for a month, then go up by another 5 minutes.

And 5 more the next…

What have you been putting off for a while?

Spend 5 minutes on it right this moment.