The Power of Small by Aisling Leonard-Curtin & Trish Leonard-Curtin Summary

The Power of Small is a self-help guide that teaches how tiny, intentional changes can lead to transformative results. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it emphasizes breaking overwhelming goals into manageable steps, using tools like the "5-minute breakout" to encourage growth without burnout. The book combines psychological research with practical strategies to help readers overcome stagnation and build lasting habits.

This book is ideal for individuals feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or intimidated by large life changes. It suits those seeking self-improvement through incremental steps, professionals navigating career transitions, or anyone interested in psychology-based strategies like ACT. Its actionable advice appeals to readers who prefer evidence-based, compassionate approaches to personal growth.

Yes, particularly for its focus on sustainable, small-scale changes backed by clinical psychology. The authors—practicing psychologists—offer relatable case studies, exercises like journaling prompts, and frameworks such as balancing "comfort zones" with "self-care zones." Its emphasis on self-compassion and realistic progress makes it valuable for long-term habit formation.

Key concepts include:

• Small actions compound: Tiny, consistent steps create significant change over time.
• Comfort vs. growth: Identify and gently expand comfort zones using achievable challenges.
• Self-compassion: Prioritize kindness during setbacks to maintain momentum.
• ACT principles: Use mindfulness and value-driven actions to build psychological flexibility.

This tool involves dedicating just five minutes daily to an action slightly outside your comfort zone but within your emotional capacity. Examples include initiating a difficult conversation or starting a project. The method reduces procrastination by making tasks feel less daunting, helping build confidence through incremental progress.

The "comfort trap" refers to staying in routines that feel safe but hinder growth. The authors argue that avoiding small risks perpetuates stagnation. Solutions include gradual exposure to discomfort—like practicing a new skill for minutes daily—to expand resilience without overwhelming stress.

The book integrates ACT by teaching readers to:

• Accept emotions without judgment.
• Clarify values to guide actions.
• Take small, committed steps aligned with long-term goals.
  For example, instead of avoiding anxiety, readers learn to acknowledge it while still pursuing meaningful activities.

Yes. By breaking career transitions into tiny steps—like networking for five minutes daily or updating a LinkedIn profile—readers reduce overwhelm. The book also addresses mindset shifts, such as reframing failure as feedback, to build resilience during professional pivots.

1. Prioritize consistency over intensity.
2. Use the "5-minute breakout" to bypass procrastination.
3. Balance self-compassion with gentle challenges.
4. Align daily actions with core values for lasting change.

Both emphasize incremental progress, but The Power of Small uniquely integrates ACT therapy and psychological flexibility. While Atomic Habits focuses on habit formation mechanics, this book emphasizes emotional resilience and self-compassion during change.

Some readers may find its incremental approach too slow for urgent issues. Critics might argue that complex problems require systemic solutions rather than small tweaks. However, the book acknowledges that small steps work best as part of broader, intentional efforts.

The toolkit includes:

• Journaling prompts to track progress.
• Mindfulness exercises for emotional awareness.
• Value-assessment worksheets to align actions with goals.
• The "STOP method" (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed) for managing stress.