Small Actions, Big Results: Ashdin Doctor on Transforming Lives Through Habits

In an exclusive interview with Storizen, Ashdin Doctor, popularly known as The Habit Coach™, shares his revolutionary insights on building habits that stick. In a world where instant results often overshadow the value of patience and perseverance, Ashdin stands as a beacon of change. With his latest book, Small Actions, Big Results, he demystifies the process of habit formation, emphasizing the power of small, consistent steps over dramatic leaps. From teaching mindfulness during daily commutes to designing practical exercises that drive real-life transformation, Ashdin’s approach resonates with individuals seeking a sustainable path to personal growth. Join us as Ashdin delves into his journey, the philosophy behind his work, and the rewarding moments that make his mission worthwhile. Dive in to uncover the secrets to mastering habits and creating a life of purpose—one small action at a time.

In “Small Actions, Big Results”, you emphasize mindfulness as a key habit for managing stress. Mindfulness is often perceived as a practice requiring significant time and focus, which can be difficult for individuals leading busy lives. How can they incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines, particularly those with demanding schedules?

Mindfulness is not a habit that requires a lot of time to practice. In fact, you can practice mindfulness during the moments of the day that are often wasted. The commute to work is a great time to practice mindfulness. If you are driving you can practice it while at the signal. Take a deep breath in a release it slowly. Bring your mind back into the present moment. While you are sitting and waiting for that signal to turn green, normally a task that creates a lot of angst and impatience. You can practice mindfulness and be calm on your entire journey to work. You will be surprised, that the person cutting your lane, no longer makes you upset.

Many people tend to prioritize dramatic, short-term changes. Your book advocates for the power of small, consistent actions over more intense efforts. Could you reflect on a time when adopting a philosophy of small, steady actions made a tangible difference for you, whether in your habits, career, or mindset? How did this shift in approach lead to measurable results, and what was the experience like?

Yes, most of us try to take on big dramatic goals and changes. Because we want to feel worthy of them. When we talk about them to our friends, we want them to be impressed. However, change rarely works like that. Real change is repetition, repletion, repetition. A year ago, I consumed 120 books (Mix of physical and Audio books). But I did not start off reading so much. Instead over 9 years I started just reading 30 mins a day. Then a few years later I noticed that I was reading every opportunity I got. I had almost stopped listening to music, choosing to listen to an audio book instead. Which is my all my books including Small Actions Big Results have an audio book as well.

Time management is a central theme in your book. What is one often-overlooked time management tip that can dramatically enhance productivity?

One of the simplest time management secrets is not to think of meetingsin terms of 1 hour and 30-minute chunks when planning for something. This often leads to wasted time. Instead plan meetings for just 10 minutes. And schedule those 10-minute meetings too. You will notice that you get a lot done this way.

Your book includes practical exercises designed to help readers implement the habits you discuss. How did you approach designing these exercises, and what kind of feedback have you received from those who have put them into practice?

The idea of creating exercises in the book was to make sure people did what they read. The biggest problem with most self-help books is that they do not have an action plan, that can be followed. Or it is sold separately as an extra. I wanted my readers to immediately execute and do the habits that they read so that they can see a tangible difference to their life.

Your decision to become a Habit Coach™ seems rooted in a deep personal understanding of habits and their impact. Was this career path shaped more by your own experiences and challenges, or did you draw inspiration from seeing others grapple with similar issues? Could you describe the moment or realization that led you to pursue this path and how it has evolved since?

It was a mix of my own personal journey and seeing others struggle with it. I talk about this journey in my first Book “Change your Habits Change Your Life.” I was overweight, unfit and very stressed. And collapsed on the floor in my early 30s, with my heart almost beating out of my chest. I then created a goal to get a six pack and change my life around. I failed at it miserably in the early months, because I was choosing the hardest exercises to do. And the hardest diets. Till I discovered Tabata Workouts which are just 4 minutes long and intermittent fasting. Mind you, this is 10 years ago. Before people knew what intermittent fasting was.

Within a year of making small habit changes I had transformed my life. When people would ask me what I had done, I would excitedly tell them. But they would stop me and say that they did not have my motivation or self-discipline. That is when I realized most people fail or stay the same because they do not believe they can do it. I started the habit coaching industry just so that I could break these myths and see people change their life. Which is what I have managed to do the world over.

Building new habits is often difficult, and maintaining consistency can be even more challenging. From your perspective, what are the main obstacles that prevent people from staying consistent in their efforts? How does ‘Small Actions, Big Results’ provide readers with the tools and motivation to overcome these barriers and achieve lasting change?

The biggest difficulty lies in not being able to do the habit they have planned. Often in their enthusiasm they make a habit that is too hard to accomplish with consistency. Anyone can do something hard once or twice. But change comes when we do it three hundred times. So, the habits and the exercises given in my book are designed to be small and easy enough to do so that readers can be consistent with them.

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As someone who has coached many individuals in building better habits, what is the most rewarding aspect of witnessing someone successfully transform their daily routine?

The most rewarding thing for me is when their family and friends notice the changes. Often, we notice the change in ourselves but it is very hard to have others change their perception about you. When others start noticing the difference in my clients and listeners. That is when I feel the most satisfied. I often get calls from their mothers and spouses asking me what magic was done. How did they achieve something that they had been struggling with for so long.

If you could share a meal with any historical figure who has significantly influenced the world, who would you choose, and why? What question would you pose to them, and what insights would you hope to gain from such a conversation?

I would probably love to meet Jesus Christ. Being a Parsi, I know it is a strange ask. But I have so many questions about his learnings through his journey. Especially the years that are not covered in the Bible. I would have so many questions about spirituality etc. Not to mention of course unlimited wine! ????

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