Any big achievement starts from the smallest of beginnings.
Our first steps may seem insignificant when we look at them individually, but if we zoom out and see the chain reaction, like thousands of dominos being toppled by a single one, the bigger picture becomes clearer.
A domino can topple more than just another similar-sized domino, it can topple one that is 50% larger than itself. The first time I watched this video showing this, it had a big impact on me.
With small increases, we can experience compounding gains but if we try and topple a domino that is too big we run the risk of the chain reaction ending.
If you want to meditate, don't start with 20 minutes, start with 1, increasing your daily practice by no more than 50%. After a week you'll be meditating for 20 minutes.
If you want to build an audience, start connecting with someone that has 50% more followers than you, not someone with millions.
This idea has helped increase my running endurance. In 2021 my longest run was 5 miles. In 2022 I challenged myself to increase each run by 0.01 miles. 0.01 miles is barely noticeable and almost insignificant but after a year I increase my endurance by 75%:
Time in Days | Miles |
0 | 5 |
1 | 5.01 |
30 | 5.30 |
90 | 5.90 |
180 | 6.8 |
365 | 8.65 |
The biggest gains come from getting started and small increases that compound over time. What can you start today?
