As I sit down to write this article, I'm reminded of a powerful concept that has been instrumental in my personal growth journey: the idea of becoming 1% better every day. This concept, popularized by James Clear in his book "Atomic Habits," has been a game-changer for me.
The idea is simple yet profound: instead of trying to make drastic changes overnight, focus on making small, incremental improvements each day. It's about creating a system that allows you to make progress, no matter how small, every single day. For me, this has meant committing to a daily routine that includes habits like exercise and reading.
Building Self-Trust and Discipline: The Power of Keeping Promises to Yourself
But here's the thing: it's not just about the habits themselves, but about the mindset shift that comes with them. When I commit to becoming 1% better every day, I'm not just improving my physical or mental health; I'm also building a sense of self-trust and discipline.
You see, when I make a promise to myself, I'm making a commitment to show up, no matter what. And when I follow through on that promise, I'm building trust with myself. I'm saying, "Hey, I'm capable of doing what I say I'm going to do." And that's incredibly empowering.
But it's not just about keeping promises; it's also about holding myself to a higher standard. When I commit to becoming 1% better every day, I'm not just striving for mediocrity; I'm striving for excellence. I'm saying, "I'm not satisfied with where I am today; I want to be better tomorrow."
The Concept of 1% Better: A Game-Changer for Personal Growth
This mindset has had a profound impact on my life. It's helped me to develop a growth mindset, to focus on progress rather than perfection, and to celebrate small wins along the way. And it's not just about the big goals; it's about the daily habits and rituals that help me become the person I want to be.
Becoming 1% better every day may not seem like a lot, but it's a significant improvement that can add up over time. To put it into perspective, if you improve by 1% every day, you'll be 37x better in just one year. This concept is often referred to as the "aggregation of marginal gains," popularized by a British cycling team that went on to dominate the Tour de France.
Creating a System That Supports Your Goals: The Key to Lasting Change
Of course, it's not always easy. There are days when I don't feel like showing up, when I'd rather hit the snooze button or skip my workout. But I know that if I give in to those impulses, I'll be breaking a promise to myself. And that's not an option.
As James Clear so eloquently puts it, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." For me, becoming 1% better every day is about creating a system that supports my goals, a system that helps me build trust with myself and hold myself to a higher standard.
Tracking My Progress: How I Know if I'm Becoming 1% Better
So, how do I know if I'm becoming 1% better every day? Here are some ways I track my progress:
- I use a habit-tracking app: Apps like Habitica, HabitBull, or Strides help me track my daily habits and provide insights into my progress.
- I set milestones: I break down my long-term goals into smaller milestones. I celebrate my achievements, and adjust my approach as needed.
- I seek feedback: I ask friends, family, or mentors for feedback on my progress. I use this feedback to make adjustments and improve further.
By tracking my progress in these ways, I'm able to stay motivated and focused on my goal of becoming 1% better every day.
The Cumulative Effect of 1% Improvement
Becoming 1% better every day may not seem like a lot, but the cumulative effect can be life-changing. By focusing on incremental improvement, I can achieve remarkable results and become a better version of myself over time. It's not about making drastic changes overnight; it's about making small, consistent improvements that add up over time.