Embrace the Power of Tiny Gains

“If you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done.” -James Clear

One percent doesn’t make headlines. Whether our goal is to lose weight, grow a business, or run a marathon, we often pressure ourselves to make earth-shattering improvements that get talked about.

In?his book Atomic Habits, James Clear?emphasizes that when the bar feels too high, breaking down seemingly overwhelming goals into manageable, incremental actions leads to success. Each small victory creates a sense of progress and builds momentum, which over time compounds into significant results. Instead of getting discouraged by the end goal, you focus on consistent daily improvements help bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. This mindset shifts the focus from perfection to progress, making even the loftiest goals feel attainable through sustainable effort.

This is especially relevant in specialty lending where complex and unpredictable situations often arise. By focusing on small, achievable steps and consistent improvement, we can navigate the gray areas and build confidence over time.?Whether it's understanding a new market trend, refining credit analysis, or building a stronger relationship with a client, these gains compound over time to sharpen insights and lead to better decision-making.? Even when a loan doesn't meet expectations, the growth-oriented mindset emphasizes learning from the experience, which is invaluable when the nuances are difficult to predict.

This approach can also mitigate the frustration that comes with tackling large, ambiguous goals. Breaking down each challenge into incremental steps and celebrating those victories helps maintain momentum and prevent burnout. Over time, these small improvements in underwriting, risk management, or client relations create a solid foundation for larger successes.? By embracing the power of tiny gains, each decision—no matter the immediate outcome—drives long-term success and growth.