#57: Small improvements

Try a little harder, be a little better

Author

Ben Johnson
September 07, 2025

Hey Friends,

I recently heard the expression “Try a little harder, be a little better” and I loved it, so thought I would write about how trying just a little harder can make a huge difference in your fitness goals.

People often think they need to make huge changes in order to see results, and I just don’t think that’s the case.

Many people are much closer to their goals than they realize, and just finding small areas to put a little bit more effort into would make all the difference.

Weekly Action Point

Make a point this week of voicing your appreciation or gratitude for someone.

I feel like we often think to ourselves that we appreciate someone or what they do for us, but we don’t vocalize it.

Actually telling someone what you appreciate about them can have a huge impact on your relationships.

So this week, if someone does something (even if it’s a small thing) that you appreciate, tell them.

Trying a Little Harder

Most of us can probably find some ways to put a little extra effort in.

Success in fitness rarely comes from huge leaps or drastic lifestyle changes, it comes from small improvements that are done consistently over the long term.

Maybe it’s an extra walk for 10 minutes at the end of the day, or pushing for 1 extra rep in your set, or choosing the healthier option at a restaurant.

The simple truth is, the vast majority of people pursue fitness goals until it gets difficult or inconvenient for them.

If you can push just a little bit past that point, you separate yourself from the majority.

Finding ways to put a little extra effort in is actually not that difficult, and can be implemented into your life today.

Small amounts of extra effort taken every day will compound over time.

In the short term, it won’t cause any noticeable difference in your appearance or strength.

But if you approach your fitness goals with the mentality that every day you are going to try a little harder, over years you will be miles ahead.

I’m not saying to put 110% effort into every single day and push like a mad man until you burn out. I’m telling you to just go one step farther today than where you stopped yesterday.

Here are some examples of how you can do this:

  • add one set into one of your workouts this week

  • walk an extra 700 steps above your daily average this week

  • try one dumbbell size heavier

  • go to bed 15 minutes earlier than you usually do

  • have one glass of wine instead of two

Small wins like these build momentum, build confidence, and help you stay positive about your fitness goals.

Try a little harder, be a little better.

I’m talking about this in the context of fitness goals, but it applies to all areas of life. There are probably ways in your relationships or in your career that you could try just a little harder.

Think about it. Are there any areas of your life where you might be able to try a little harder?

Ben’s Best

Came across this recipe and had to share: