Over the past few years I’ve started hearing it more and more. People are increasingly aware that if they are not getting better then they are getting worse. There’s no such thing as holding the exact same static position in business, a relationship, learning, etc. With this thought in mind, the phrase “Getting 1% better every day” has become very popular in recent times.

This is a fantastic concept. Improving by say 15% each day is impossible and would lead to frustration and burnout. As mentioned above, staying stagnant actually equates to getting 1% WORSE. So small, bite-size, consistent improvement must be the mindset.

The improvement equation

The issue becomes HOW. If you and I commit to becoming 1% better each day, then HOW exactly do we do this? What should we actually do to turn this idea into a reality?

First, consume growth-focused content. This can be a book, podcast, YouTube video, or something from a mentor in person. But in my experience, the most efficient source for this content are short articles (just like this one). You can blaze through them quickly, skim a little if needed, and most importantly they are already written in text so when you find a gold nugget you can copy and paste it out to capture it!

Second, as you consume and capture content gold nuggets, simply take those and use them as daily/weekly focus points. For years I have done this by writing quotes on a notecard and carrying it in my shirt pocket. Or, you can take a picture of the quote and set it as your phone wallpaper. Whatever you do, keep it on you so that it will be viewed throughout each day, as opposed to say on a bathroom mirror. Then just use the nugget as your focus point and work to filter your words, attitudes, and actions through it for a period of time.

For example: “Seek first to understand then to be understood” (from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey). Spend one week focusing on this and aim to do this in as many interactions with others as possible over the seven days.

Simple > Genius

As I have mentioned before, Albert Einstein held that the five levels of intelligence are, in rank order: Smart, intelligent, brilliant, genius, and then SIMPLE. Simple does not mean easy to achieve or execute, but it does mean clear and understandable. When used consistently, this SIMPLE process for continuous improvement will permeate who you are and will give you the tools needed to truly improve 1% every day. If you would like a deeper dive into my 1% better equation, check out my full 45-minute recorded cohort session on this topic.

One tangible action:

Subscribe to James Clear’s 3-2-1 free weekly email blast. Pick one thing from his weekly email and focus on it for one week. Do this for 4 straight weeks.

Pro Tip:

Don’t be afraid to extend a specific focus for a longer period of time, or cut it shorter, when needed. I’ve spent up to a YEAR on a single focus, but have also spent only one day on others.