What if you "upped your game" just one percent over the next month?
What would that look like for you?
When many people think of changing, they consider it for a bit, but often end up going into that blank-stare mode-the idea of self-improvement sounds like a great idea in their heads, but somehow translating that into reality never happens.
Maybe they don't see the point in improving something-it doesn't hold much value for them. They're not seeing the benefit.
Or, it feels like too much work-that four-letter word, w-o-r-k, doesn't "work" for them.
Or, maybe things haven't gone so well lately and they're feeling like a bit of a failure, lacking confidence and filled with shame and self-doubt.
So they never take that all-important first step of improving something or making it better.
But, working towards a one percent improvement somehow sounds possible, like I could actually pull it off.
I can wrap my brain around making this effort, because how in the world could I fail at improving something by such a small amount? I mean, come on, one percent?? Who can't do that?!
The one percent idea is compelling and pulls us in because it feels like a no-fail proposition.
I like the one percent idea. So I'm giving you my ONE PERCENT CHALLENGE. Here's your assignment:
1) pick something (only one thing!) in your life-something important to you--that you want to improve. It can be personal or professional.
2) be specific-what specifically about this area do you want to improve?
3) identify the benefit/gain of making this improvement. How will this improvement make something better, easier, etc? If you can't identify a benefit that's meaningful to you, pick another area to work on.
4) commit to work on this area over the next month. You'll get the most bang for your buck if you hang in there for an entire month.
HOWEVER! if you're not quite up to one month of sustained effort, then do my one percent challenge for one week, or even one day.
Just get the ball rolling!
5) focus on a one percent gain. Plain and simple. Make this your daily mantra and mindset-"one percent".
Come back to this throughout your day. Even check in with yourself-"am I cranking it up one percent today with (fill in the blank)?"
6) turn the page-e.g., if you're a slacker on Day 10, don't beat yourself up, just move on and get back to your one percent effort on Day 11! Too many people get knocked down, and then stay down, because of discouragement. Get up and move on!
7) expect great things from your effort. One percent doesn't sound like much, but it can ripple, multiply, and create a lot of positive momentum. Ever hear of the "Butterfly Effect"? If not, no worries, we'll go over that soon 🙂
Funny thing-you may not really know what exactly it is that you need to do differently to make this improvement. But here's the cool thing: more often than not you'll intuitively figure it out!
Just knowing that you're committed to making this improvement in your chosen area, you'll notice yourself putting in that extra effort.
Focus on one percent, then get moving the best you know how, and somehow change starts happening.
That's the power of intention.
And that's the power of one percent.
One last thing: when (not if) you see yourself making that one percent improvement, shoot me an email and let me know. I get fired up when I see people succeeding!
Now go forth and conquer, one percent at a time.