The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Why Smaller Goals Can Lead to Bigger Changes with Eric Zimmer

Most of us are familiar with this frustrating pattern: you set a goal, start off strong, but then lose motivation and end up right back at square one. Why does it seem so hard to change — even when you have a plan in place? Turns out, you may be aiming too high, too soon.

Laurie breaks down the science behind this pattern with Eric Zimmer, host of the award-winning podcast “The One You Feed” and author of the new book How A Little Becomes A Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Eric spent years struggling to overcome a heroin addiction before eventually turning his life around. He explains why lasting change often comes from making consistent progress in the right direction rather than attempting one dramatic transformation, and shares what he’s learned about building momentum, overcoming setbacks, and finally reaching the goals we’ve been striving for.

Experts Mentioned:

• Eric Zimmer, author and host of “The One You Feed”
• Steven Pressfield, author

Resources Mentioned:

• How A Little Becomes A Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, by Eric Zimmer (2026)
• “The One You Feed,” hosted by Eric Zimmer 
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield (2002)

Related Episodes:

• “Dump Your Inner Drill Sergeant“
• “How to Kick Bad Habits (and Start Good Ones)“
• “You Only Live Once… So Commit“