Something most people don’t know about me. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago.

Yes, at that time it was in full flare and I could barely even function. Hanging onto the walls of my city condo to try and walk from the bedroom into the bathroom took all the strength I had.

It was then that I discovered my 15-minute rule.

It is something I continue to use, even today when my MS stays in remission.

It was the “deal” I made with myself to keep functioning.

I would think, “Okay, I can get to the kitchen, put the kettle on and clean up a little for just 15 minutes. When 15 minutes is up, I can just stop and get back to the chair.”

I had Jim bring me home a timer and I would set it for 15 minutes. Then I would sit up at my computer and work for 15 minutes before returning to rest. After resting, I would set it for another 15 minutes to work, to get dressed, to make something to eat – whatever I needed to tackle next.

You know what? You can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes.

I was even able to endure the overwhelming loss of my ability to physically function. I could barely even stand up, let alone walk.

Yet, I could push myself for 15 minutes, knowing I had given myself permission to stop at the 15-minute mark.

Key here is actually dropping everything and stopping at 15 minutes.

Tiny, tiny changes in your life can create HUGE change.

It is like a boat changing its course by a fraction – just a fraction. But over time, the boat ends up at an entirely different destination.

So do not think to create change in your life you have to commit to something new 24/7. You only need to do it for 15 minutes. Then stop. Then do 15 minutes more.

You can do anything for 15 minutes – and it will change your life.