It is not massive efforts that bring remarkable results; as long as you strive every day—improving today compared to yesterday by even just 1%—you will achieve incredible outcomes.
What is the 1% rule?
The 1% rule is a way to help you improve every day with a manageable effort of just 1%. When you set a goal, work toward it with gradually increasing effort, ensuring today is always better than yesterday. This rule helps reduce the pressure of having to try too hard while effectively “upgrading” yourself.
Although the initial effort seems tiny, the final result is massive. Have you ever heard the saying “many a little makes a mickle”? The 1% rule works just like this. Imagine adding 1% more effort each day to practice your expertise, learn English, read more books, or stay committed to a hobby; after a year, you will undoubtedly reap significant benefits. Conversely, if you waste that 1% on useless things, you will soon realize how far behind you are compared to others.
Applying the 1% rule to study and work
1. Plan your tasks and completion time
Everything starts with a complete plan. Make a to-do list for every day and set a completion time for each. This method helps you maximize your time. By clearly planning your daily tasks, you also build the habit of working in an organized manner and knowing how to prioritize what needs to be done.
2. Build a daily reading habit
Any book you like—whether it’s business, Marketing, office literature, brain training, or even comic books—is fine. When you read books or stories daily, you gain access to new knowledge and interesting multi-dimensional perspectives. If you don’t like reading, start with 2 to 3 minutes and gradually increase the time until you form this good habit.
3. Practice your skills
No matter when or where, as long as you practice every day and gradually increase the intensity, your skills will undoubtedly improve remarkably.
4. Exercise and relax
Taking time to exercise or relax helps you change your state, recharge your energy, and easily focus on your work. If you are lazy about physical activities like cycling, yoga, jump rope, or volleyball…, spend 3 to 5 minutes stretching on the first few days, then increase the time to 7 to 10 minutes, or even 60 to 90 minutes for more “heavy-duty” workouts. This way, you maintain a healthy body while working efficiently.
Example proving the effectiveness of the 1% rule
If you want to walk 10km every day, you certainly won’t achieve it on the first few days, or if you do, it will require an immense amount of effort, resulting in lethargy, exhaustion, and physical fatigue the next day.
Therefore, apply the 1% rule in this scenario. On the first day, start with a distance of 1km (1000m); the next day, continue with 1,010m; and keep increasing it gradually the following days… By doing this, you will quickly reach your goal of 10km per day without feeling discouraged or pressured, and you’ll grow to love the feeling of staying active.
(According to Vietnamworks)
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