Be 1% Better
At Collins Collective, we believe in the transformative power of small, incremental changes. This core value, inspired by James Clear's groundbreaking book Atomic Habits, emphasizes that you don’t need to make big, dramatic changes to achieve success. In fact, aiming for perfection often leads to burnout and frustration. Instead, we champion the idea of being 1% better every day through the creation of new, small habits. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the principles of positive psychology and CliftonStrengths, which focus on leveraging our strengths and cultivating a positive mindset for sustainable growth.
The 1% Better Philosophy
James Clear's Atomic Habits highlights the profound impact of tiny improvements. The central idea is that small habits, when consistently practiced, compound over time to produce significant, lasting change. This approach contrasts sharply with the common belief that success requires monumental efforts or radical transformations. By focusing on being just 1% better each day, we set ourselves up for sustainable growth and continuous improvement.
Why Small Changes Matter
1. Sustainability
Big changes can be overwhelming and difficult to maintain. By focusing on small, manageable adjustments, we can integrate new habits into our daily routines without feeling burdened. This sustainable approach ensures that improvements are long-lasting and aligns with positive psychology’s emphasis on creating enduring well-being.
2. Building Momentum
Small successes build confidence and momentum. Each 1% improvement reinforces the belief that change is possible and motivates us to continue on our path of growth. This mirrors the CliftonStrengths philosophy, where recognizing and utilizing our innate talents builds self-efficacy and drives further development.
3. Reducing Pressure
The pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing. By shifting our focus to incremental improvements, we alleviate the pressure to achieve immediate, flawless results. This mindset fosters a more positive and resilient attitude toward personal and professional development, key tenets of positive psychology.
How to Be 1% Better Each Day
1. Identify Small Changes
Start by identifying small changes you can make in your daily routine. These could be as simple as waking up five minutes earlier, reading a few pages of a book each day, or taking a short walk during lunch breaks. The key is to choose actions that are easily achievable and can be consistently practiced. CliftonStrengths can help here by identifying your natural talents and guiding you towards changes that leverage these strengths.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Set realistic and specific goals that align with your desired improvements. Instead of aiming to overhaul your entire lifestyle, focus on one or two areas where you can make small, meaningful changes. Positive psychology suggests that setting achievable goals contributes to a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
3. Track Your Progress
Keep track of your progress to stay motivated and accountable. Whether it’s through a journal, an app, or a simple checklist, monitoring your improvements helps you see the cumulative effect of your efforts. This aligns with positive psychology’s focus on self-reflection and gratitude, enhancing overall life satisfaction.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your small wins. Recognizing these achievements reinforces positive behavior and encourages you to keep moving forward. This practice is central to both positive psychology and CliftonStrengths, as it builds a positive feedback loop that enhances motivation and well-being.
In both our personal and professional lives, striving to be 1% better each day helps us move forward with confidence and resilience. By integrating the principles of positive psychology and CliftonStrengths, we harness the power of our innate talents and maintain a positive mindset. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. By embracing this philosophy, we pave the way for sustainable success and lasting fulfillment.