1% better - how small daily habits create a wonderful life.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Success doesn’t happen overnight.” But what if I told you that small, consistent improvements every single day could lead to transformative results over time? The concept of becoming just 1% better every day is simple, yet powerful. By focusing on small daily improvements, you can make a massive difference in your life without feeling overwhelmed. Here's how you can take those tiny steps and turn them into significant progress.

1. Focus on Consistency Over Perfection

One of the most common barriers to improvement is the desire to be perfect. However, waiting for the "perfect" time to start or trying to be flawless from day one often leads to inaction or burnout. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on consistency. You don't need to make giant leaps every day—just small steps in the right direction. I am guilty of focusing on perfection and am exceedingly hard on myself. However, perfection is impossible. Progress over perfection, always.

Take baby steps and show up every day, even if it's only for 10 minutes. The idea is that, over time, those small actions add up. Whether you’re trying to get fit, read more, or learn a new skill, consistency will compound and lead to results you might not have imagined when you started.

2. Master the 5 Second Rule

The 5 Second Rule is a productivity technique from Mel Robbins. Applying this rule to your daily routine can significantly increase your productivity and reduce procrastination.

In a nutshell, if you are faced with a less than desirable task (such as getting out of bed!), you simply count backwards from 5 and in the words of Nike - Just do it!

Struggling to find the motivation to workout? 5-4-3-2-1 - GO.

Putting off finishing that work project? 5-4-3-2-1 - GO.

Need to clean the house? 5-4-3-2-1 - GO.

Motivation is bullshit. If we relied on feeling motivated, nothing would ever get done.

I have found this technique to be immensely helpful in breaking limiting self talk, procrastination, and simply getting off my ass to get things done.

3. Learn Something New Every Day

Knowledge is power, and learning just one new thing every day can have a profound effect on your personal and professional growth. Whether it’s reading an article, watching a documentary, listening to a podcast, or taking an online course - expanding your knowledge and your skill set will only improve your life.

It doesn't have to be complicated or overly challenging. Start small.

I love listening to podcasts on the treadmill, in the shower, and while I am driving. Currently I am obsessed with investing podcasts - it is amazing how much you can learn in a short space of time! I use Duolingo to learn other languages (for me that is Spanish and Mandarin). I read every night before bed - my preference is fiction to help me unwind, but the odd biography creeps in.

I have found that in these small moments of micro-learning, I have expanded my knowledge base significantly. The tools are there - take advantage of the wealth of free information right at your fingertips!

4. Practice Gratitude

Improving your mindset is just as important as improving your skills. Practicing gratitude daily is one of the easiest ways to develop a more positive outlook and foster a sense of fulfillment. Take a moment each day to write down three things you're thankful for. It could be as simple as appreciating a cup of coffee or a conversation with a friend.

By focusing on the good in your life, you’ll start to rewire your brain to see opportunities rather than obstacles. A grateful mindset increases happiness, reduces stress, and can improve your overall quality of life.

I committed to this practice at the start of the year and it has truly transformed my mindset. Admittedly, I was a self confessed pessimist (trading as a realist!). So the concept of gratitude seemed far fetched for me. By reflecting on the small wins I have had in each day, it shifted my perspective to a much more positive mindset.

As I became more familiar with the practice of gratitude, I found more and more things to be grateful for each day. Ironically, the more positive I have become, the more abundance is flowing into my life.

5. Focus on Health—Even in Small Ways

Your health is the foundation of everything you do. Small improvements in your physical and mental health will have a ripple effect on other areas of your life.

I commit to a minimum of 5 workouts per week. On the days that I don't get some kind of physical activity, I simply don't feel as good.

This doesn't only extend to your physical health - even of more importance is your mental health.

Prioritizing rest, eating to nourish your body, being mindful of what content you consume, it all plays a part in your overall wellbeing.

Being 1% better could look like avoiding that late afternoon sugary snack, having a week without alcohol, going for a short walk around the block with your kids (or fur babies), or reading a book rather than scrolling endlessly on your phone.

I promise you - making your health a priority cannot be discounted. Everything else in my life improved once I took action and put time into taking care of myself.

6. Set Micro-Goals

I am a huge fan of taking small, consistent steps in the right direction.

When I first started working out consistently in January 2023, the concept of getting up at 5 am made me want to puke.

I didn't know about the 5 second rule back then, but I implemented a similar strategy when I was starting out. Initially, I just wanted to make sure I got up on day one. I (begrudgingly) managed to drag myself out of bed on that fateful Monday at 5 am and did a workout in my home gym. I patted myself on the back for that and set a goal to do it again the following day. Before I knew it, I had created a habit and it became second nature to me.

Starting with a small goal and building upon it makes climbing the mountain much more manageable.

This can be applied to any area of your life.

Start with bite sized goals and eventually you will be surprised at how far you have come.

7. Reflect and Track Your Progress

It’s important to regularly reflect on how far you’ve come.

Each day you show up and take action, you’ll feel more empowered and encouraged to keep going. It’s not about getting everything right—it’s about making progress, no matter how small.

6 months ago I made a list of things that I wanted to implement in my life. This extended to health, finances, parenting, and self development.

During my journaling process, I realised that I could cross several things off my list. Through my goal to be 1% better each day and create healthier habits, I had implemented these things into my daily routine.

You don't realise how far you have come until you take the time to review your progress.

It is crucial to give yourself credit. You need to be your own biggest cheerleader.

8. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

The people you surround yourself with play a crucial role in your growth. If you want to be better every day, make sure you're surrounded by people who encourage your progress and inspire you to improve. This might mean cutting ties with negativity or limiting your time with people who drain your energy.

You might have heard the saying from Jim Rohn - "You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with".

I have had to make cuts in the past when relationships no longer served who I was becoming or those that simply left me feeling drained after each encounter. Most recently, I made the choice to stop drinking altogether, and this has left some of my circle a little rattled. Others however, have now been inspired to stop drinking themselves. It feels amazing to have a positive influence on someone else's life.

While you are ultimately the master of your choices and the outcome of your life, you are exposed to more opportunities and connections that align with your values if you surround yourself with people who share your outlook.

9. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Another important aspect of becoming 1% better every day is the way you approach failure. Instead of letting mistakes hold you back, treat them as opportunities to learn and grow. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your approach, and try again.

Don't let one failed opportunity deter you from your goals.

I work in sales. If I took every NO I received from a prospect as a failure, I would have no career.

I can get 20 rejections in a day, but it only takes one YES to make a sale.

The same principle applies to making a mistake, or having a hiccup in your steps to become 1% better.

Tomorrow is a new day - what did you learn from the mistake?

How can you improve?

Then 5-4-3-2-1-GO! Make it happen tomorrow. Each 24 hours is a fresh opportunity to do things differently. To do things better than yesterday.

The Power of the Compound Effect

We all know the concept of compound interest.

Aiming to be 1% better has the same effect in your life. Daily, small improvements compound over time.

What may seem like a small adjustment today will yield amazing results later.

I would love to hear how you are becoming 1% better each day.

Start small. Stay consistent. And watch how your life improves, one day at a time.