Want Breakthrough? Improve 1% a Day

The "1% a Day Improvement" philosophy emphasizes making small, consistent progress every day. Even tiny changes can lead to massive growth over time when compounded.

The practice of securing Marginal Gains is a powerful way to unlock long-term growth and potential across all areas of life. It's critical in the Mental Toughness training process I manage for Valentino Agnelli, a professional triathlete from Argentina who lives and trains in Boulder, Girona, Wanaka and Buenos Aires through the calendar year (photo).

That's why I included it in my book "From Fog to Focus" as an important step on your path to Breakthrough results.

Let’s define “1% Improvement” with practical examples:

• Washing your hands frequently to avoid contamination, especially during flu season
• Warming-up before a workout or a match and cooling down afterwards
• Having a tech-free hour every day and reading, writing or thinking instead
• Rehearsing your key points before a presentation to client to feel relaxed and engaging
• Visualizing the steps and objectives of a negotiation prior to the meeting

You’ve probably seen or heard all this before, but… are you practicing it?

I do, and it makes a big difference in my life, as I am a solopreneur who must practice what he preaches. My own Leadership Performance Strategy to obtain results is my real “boss.”

Here’s how you can integrate the “1% a Day Improvement” concept into your activities:

1. Embrace Incremental Progress

• Focus on small, manageable actions daily rather than big, overwhelming changes.
• Examples: Write 200 words, run an extra 3 minutes, or learn one new skill.
• Suggestion: Identify one small action today that brings you closer to your goal.

2. Consistency is Key

• Success comes from daily, repeatable efforts that build habits.
• Manage your energy, not time: divide your tasks into connected “chunks” and perform them sequentially to stay consistently motivated.
• Suggestion: Set a recurring time each day for your improvement activity.

3. Commit to Continuous Learning

• Reflect, adapt, and embrace feedback to refine your approach.
• Variety and versatility ensure you stay aligned with your long-term vision.
• Suggestion: Spend five minutes reviewing what worked or didn’t work today.

4. Focus on Process, Not Just Outcomes

• Celebrate daily actions and improved performance, not just end results.
• Shifting focus to “doing it better” alleviates pressure and keeps you engaged.
• Suggestion: Keep a journal tracking your daily improvement, not just achievements.

5. Leverage the Compound Effect

• Small gains build upon each other for exponential results.
• Steady efforts multiply over time: understand how one task leverages another.
• Suggestion: Start a streak tracker to visualize your momentum.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

• Acknowledge your progress to maintain motivation and positivity.
• Celebrate minor achievements to reinforce your commitment. Positive self-talk works.
• Suggestion: Reward yourself for weekly milestones with meaningful “treats.”

7. Apply to Any Area of Life

• Adapt and transfer your rituals and routines from one area of life to another.
• Consistent action creates transformation in any domain: sustain the mindset.
• Suggestion: Choose one area to focus your 1% improvement efforts today.

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Inspiring Examples of 1% Improvement

Sports

• Dave Brailsford (Cycling): Focused on "marginal gains" across all aspects of performance, leading British cyclists to Olympic gold.
• Stephen Curry (Basketball): Dedicated daily practice to refine his shooting and footwork.

Personal Development

• Marie Kondo (Organization): Promoted decluttering in small steps for lasting harmony.
• Gretchen Rubin (Happiness): Advocated for tiny habit changes to enhance well-being.

Business and Art

• Toyota Production System (TPS): Embedded continuous improvement ("kaizen") into workflows.
• Stephen King (Writing): Committed to daily word counts, creating countless bestsellers.

Investing and Music

• Warren Buffett (Investing): Grew wealth through daily knowledge and decision improvements.
• Yo-Yo Ma (Music): Improved daily to master diverse styles, sustaining excellence.

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Now, I have an invitation for you:

Please follow this link to provide Feedback on my newsletter “The Glass is Full and a Half” on how I can make it better to suit your preferences (Google Forms document)

As my Thank You, I will send you a copy of my Strategic Planning Dashboard 2025 on PDF for you to refine your achievement goals and attain them.

I appreciate your support and look forward to contributing to your commitment to leadership excellence.

• Find more information about my Leadership Performance Strategy services
• Read the books "The Glass is Full and a Half" and "From Fog to Focus"