The 1% Rule: A Powerful Approach to Daily Improvement
I love the 1% rule. Daily improvements are critical and being able to think about "I just want to get 1% better each and every day" makes a world of difference in the long run.
*If you would rather watch that read then this video is for you.
I don’t recall where I first heard about the 1% rule or who introduced it to me, but today, I want to share why it’s such a valuable concept. The 1% rule is about making daily improvements—specifically, getting 1% better each day than you were the day before. When you break it down, this approach is incredibly impactful, especially for new employees starting a new role.
Why the 1% Rule Matters
If you improve by 1% each day, in just 100 days, you’re twice as good as you were when you started. This translates to roughly three months, a period that aligns perfectly with the standard 90-day plans often used for new employees. The rule underscores the power of slow and steady progress over a sustained period, which is more realistic and sustainable than aiming to double your capabilities overnight.
Implementing the 1% Rule
Concentrate on getting 1% better every day. By the end of their first 90 days, new employees are significantly more proficient than when they started, all because of those consistent, daily gains. Once you become proficient at a task, continue asking yourself if you are still getting better each day. If you’ve mastered a particular skill, pivot and focus on a new area to keep improving and advancing.
Avoiding Diminishing Returns
To make the 1% rule truly effective, don’t focus solely on one skill indefinitely. Eventually, you’ll encounter diminishing returns. Instead, apply the 1% rule to various areas to maintain growth. If you reach a plateau in one area, it’s time to diversify your efforts and apply the rule to new skills or disciplines.
Benefits of the 1% Rule
One of the most powerful aspects of the 1% improvement goal is its ability to break down long-term objectives into manageable, daily targets. This provides a sense of accomplishment and makes it easier to track progress. Incremental progress boosts self-worth and reinforces positive progress through small wins. By concentrating on one or two things at a time, you can develop specific skills and capabilities that will benefit you in the future.
Practical Application
Ask yourself if you got 1% better today. Recognize that you can’t achieve overnight success, but by committing to daily improvements, you’ll see significant growth over time. After three months, reevaluate and decide if you need to continue focusing on the same area or shift to something new to avoid diminishing returns.
Key Takeaways
The 1% rule is a sustainable approach to personal and professional growth. It helps you prioritize what’s most urgent and important, fostering focused improvement. Over the long term, this approach leads to exponential growth and continuous self-improvement.
In summary, the 1% rule is a powerful mentality and life hack. By committing to daily improvements, you’ll see significant growth over time. So, think about it: what are you doing to get 1% better each and every day?