In the hustle of our daily lives, we often look for quick fixes and dramatic changes to achieve our goals. By doing this, it can make us feel overwhelmed quickly and throw in the towel before we even start. However, real and lasting progress comes from consistent, small improvements over time. This concept is perfectly explained by James Clear in his book "Atomic Habits," where he emphasizes the power of getting just 1% better each day. Not only is it easier to digest the thought of tiny steps, it keeps us comparing ourselves to our self and not with others.
Understanding the 1% Better Each Day Concept
The idea behind getting 1% better each day is simple yet profoundly impactful. It’s about making small, incremental changes that, when compounded over time, lead to significant improvement. Instead of aiming for massive overnight transformations, focus on tiny, consistent gains. This approach not only makes the process of self-improvement more manageable but also more sustainable.
Why 1% Improvements Matter
When you improve by just 1% each day, the compounding effect can lead to remarkable results. Imagine you start with a baseline skill or habit at a value of 1. By improving by 1% each day, you don't just add up these tiny gains; you multiply them. Over a year, this means you will be 37 times better than when you started. Conversely, if you get 1% worse each day, you will decline to nearly zero over the same period. This demonstrates the immense power of tiny gains and how they can shape our lives positively or negatively.
Applying the 1% Better Each Day Concept
Start Small: The key to embracing this concept is to start with small, achievable goals. It could be as simple as reading one page of a book, walking for five minutes, or drinking one extra glass of water. The idea is to make the task so easy that you can’t say no.
Focus on Consistency: Consistency is crucial. It’s better to do a small task every day than to take on a large task sporadically. Daily practice builds momentum and creates a habit that becomes ingrained in your routine.
Track Your Progress: Keeping track of your improvements can be incredibly motivating. Whether it’s through a journal, an app, or a simple checklist, tracking helps you see the cumulative effect of your efforts and keeps you accountable. I have to be honest, I don’t really track my progress but can see the results. I am stronger in my core now that I have been doing my 5 minute yoga routine for well over 3 years now. I do the yoga while my coffee is brewing.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging and celebrating small victories along the way can boost your motivation and reinforce the habit. Each tiny success builds confidence and encourages you to keep going. I have not really celebrated my achievements but they do make me feel proud for keeping it up.
Embrace the Process: Understand that self-improvement is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process and be patient with yourself. Some days will be better than others, but the key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit. In other words, I did not notice much change from me drinking more water but definitely noticed that I don’t get sinus infections and colds like I used to. Sometimes we might be unaware of the benefits of drinking more water or eating better foods but our bodies know it.
The Ripple Effect of Small Changes
The beauty of getting 1% better each day is that these small changes can create a ripple effect in other areas of your life. Improving your health by walking a little each day can lead to better sleep, increased energy, and a more positive outlook. Enhancing your productivity by organizing your workspace can reduce stress and improve focus. These tiny gains build upon each other, creating a foundation for more significant transformations. I love to remind my clients is how we do one thing, is how we do most things. Practice getting better at the one thing and watch it grow.
What’s your one thing that you can get 1% better at?
Have a beautiful day!
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