BookBabble #33: "The 1% Rule" by Tommy Baker

"How to Fall in Love with the Process and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams"

Here we have a great personal development book in the realm of incremental improvements. It treads a similar path to Atomic Habits and they complement each other well.

As the name suggests, this is about getting 1% better each day and building from there. A small change that will add up to big things down the line. Not so much abut the grand gesture or big achievement, more the small habits and actions taken on a daily basis that grows into larger outcomes over time.

Here we're talking process rather than end results. By all means have goals, objectives and desired ends. We can set those and visualise hitting them but this is about the day to day activities and processes. John Wooden talked a lot about this in his book, and it's something that has become more popular these days.

I knew nothing of Tommy Baker prior to this, but he has done a good job of distilling the principles into the book for us to read and apply.

Let's jump in!

Some great quotes from the book followed by my additional thoughts…

We’re obsessed with the highlight reel of life

Yes, the top takes across our social media profiles and the best moments and successes we see and share. Not so much the nitty-gritty-shitty that comes with it all.

Our expectations are sky high, and we’re prone to giving up at the first sign of struggle or obstacles

Because we believe in the highlight reel as how it should be, we then get disappointed when it doesn't go smoothly or doesn't happen as fast as we'd like.

The first iteration of your goals is never the end result—the magic is in the pivot

The main goal is the overarching idea at that point in time. Things happen, new data emerges and we need to act accordingly. Where we end up may not be anywhere near our idea at the start, but we're using our best guess objectives to guide us, then be willing to pivot as the situation emerges and changes.

Progress—even the perception of it. When we feel we’re moving the needle forward in life, even a seemingly insignificant amount, we stay motivated. Progress keeps us inspired and on track

It's all about progress, and is where true 'happiness' lies. If we feel we're moving forward (even a little) then we feel good, but if we're stagnant or seem to be heading backwards, then we feel bad. We just need that forward motion (or at least it seeming so) which keeps us chugging along.

kaizen

This is a Japanese concept most people would be aware of and is basically what the book's about in a way. Summed up as continuous improvement.

The 1% Rule: 1% progress + daily application (consistency) + persistence (focus) + time (endurance) = success

This is the crux of the book, the central tenet. Here we're involving small improvements, every day so we have the consistency, doing it persistently and diligently, and over an extended period of time… which leads us to where we want to be.

When I focused on small daily actions tied to the larger vision, I felt invigorated and inspired, and I moved the needle. When I focused on the end result and the massive vision I’d created, I felt depleted and uninspired, and suffered from paralysis by analysis

There is a place for the large vision, but only as a guide and a motivation to glance towards to. Then it's back to the daily grind, and focusing on the small action that if you continue to take will lead you towards that vision. Focussing too much on the big goals can leave you overwhelmed so you can end up avoiding it and doing nothing… whereas you can always do small things that add up over time. A steady balance is required.

KNOWING, DOING, BEING

The 3 step process. First you learn how to do a thing, so you have that knowledge in theory. Then, you do it and become good at it. And finally, you actually become it – you're not really thinking about doing it, you are it and it's a by-product of you.

Fall in love with the process. Do it every single day. Celebrate your commitment. Track your metrics and data. Master your craft

You have to literally fall in love with the process. Really enjoy the nuts and bolts, rather than it be a chore and something you have to do. Track your progress, revel in what you've achieved so far, and plan for greater advancements.

We’d much rather stay in what’s known and uncomfortable—even if it’s painful

Better the devil you know. Comfort is a real dream killer… and even if you actively dislike the situation, it's nice and cosy and safe and it's known to you. Doing something different would break that mould, and who knows what lies out there/what would happen.

What separated the samurai from the rest of the population was following a strict code, what they called Bushido

The Samurai were military nobility in Japan in centuries past. They were famous for their strict code, known as Bushido, which was 'the way of the warrior'.

Without a doubt, the number one obstacle standing between people and their dreams is a lack of focus

We always come back to this. It's so hard to get right and the odds are stacked against us, but if you can then you can really do great things. How to develop and keep that laser focus. Not just an obstacle but a superpower if turned to our advantage.

Duration is less important than intensity and consistency

Quality over quantity. Throwing a great deal of time at something doesn't mean a lot in itself. But doing it regularly over long periods of time, with an intensity that moves the needle is where it's at.

Good is the enemy of great

Good is comfortable. We can do that, then be happy with it. Great requires a bit more effort, and there will always be that tussle.

how you do one thing is how you do everything

Each action is a reflection and a microcosm of the macro. Who you are and what you do permeates through everything in most cases, so it's a good idea to do good things on the small scale as well as anything bigger.

“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.”

This saying was originally attributed to the Greek poet Archilochus and has been repeated and adapted in numerous places. It's not about your aspirations but what you've prepared for that you'll fall back on when the do-do hits the fan.

Source

Enthusiasm is common, endurance is rare

People love getting started. The excitement of a new project or endeavour. But that shine fades, and it is only those who keep going and find something more than the shiny new object, a thrill of the chase that keeps them going indefinitely.

To achieve overnight success will require a decade of consistency

Again with the highlight reel. Most people don't see that previous decade that's been put in with no reward or spotlight, just the day they get noticed. Most things take around 10 years to get truly great (you can do well before then, but true mastery). So in one way, the success did come overnight (as in that's when you were noticed) but really it dates way back many years in terms of the graft.

Don’t compare your start or middle to someone else’s ending, or you’ll never endure

We're all at different stages. Somebody else may just be much further along the track. Don't be disheartened. If anything, compare with those at the same stage but that's not a good idea either - focus on you own game.

One day, you’re going to look back and reflect on this period of your life—and miss it

It's the thrill of the chase. Many people who have 'made it' look back fondly on the times they were trying to break through and all the trials and tribulations, operating on a shoestring and working towards something. Once they made it, they think now what? They have the rewards but a lot of the 'fun' has gone now.

“What can I execute on right now that will prove that my outcome and vision are not only possible, but coming true?”

Is there something that can be done right now that gives you that bit of positive feedback that you're going in the right direction? Seek it out, and it will push you forward.

Parkinson’s Law

Things tend to expand to fit the time allotted to them. We can use this to our advantage by condensing the time given.

Be hyper-specific / Be intentional / Connect to your vision / Create a domino effect

A few ways to achieve that 1% (and more) improvement. Being specific is a good way to get ultra focussed, as is being intentional rather than haphazard. Connecting it to your overall vision (rather than obsessing on it, but making that link so you know where it's leading)… then letting the dominoes fall as momentum kicks in.

I: Massive Clarity / II: Big and Bold / III: Emotionally Charged

Goals should be very clear so they can be measured. The bigger the better as it provides stimulation (within reason of course, they need to be attainable - a stretch but possible).

The greatest way to influence is not directly—it is by becoming a beacon and allowing others the space to do to the same

People don't take kindly to being told what to do or well meaning 'advice'. Usually people follow by example, like what they see and want to emulate it.

What would have to happen in the next 90 days?

A lot of the book is based upon 90 day increments. This is long enough a time for plenty to happen, and short enough to not be too far into the future. This question helps you get clear on exactly what you're trying to achieve and how you'd know you are there or making progress towards it.

Step 1: Deletion
Step 2: Automation
Step 3: Delegation
Step 4: Weekly Rocks

This section was dealing with tasks. Getting rid of those things that simply aren't required, passing on those things that can be done by someone else or automated and having large weekly goals.

The right time is created by the power of a bold decision. The word decision means to cut off, to slice off what is no longer serving and move forward with clarity

Decisions can be tough to make but there is immense power in doing so, not least getting rid of the mental clutter and getting moving in some way.

When the what and why are bold and vivid, the how starts to reveal itself

It usually won't all be clear and the path is revealed over time. Having a strong motivation and knowing where you're going sets you up for the next step and things become clearer in time.

if you lower your intensity and ambition to please a certain few, you’ll miss out on attracting the tribe that wants you to play all out

No need to dumb it down for anyone, or try and fit in with the crowd. There are people you may appease in doing so, but then you'll miss out on the people you would have reached who were interested and at that level. Second-guessing and trying to please all is always a disaster and can end up pleasing no-one. Do what you feel to be true and attract your tribe.

David Foster Wallace from his book, Infinite Jest: “You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do.”

People are generally too busy thinking of their own shit to be concerned about you. Ironic really - everyone's wandering around concerned about what everyone else is thinking… and they're all doing the same!

The amateur sits around waiting to be inspired while the pro creates inspiration

Inspiration may or may not come, but it usually follows some sort of activity. The point is not to rely on it and crack on either way. If it shows up, then great! If not, you show up regardless.

RUTHLESS ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability is huge in keeping you on track, and the ruthless aspect (ie. not just a light and fluffy 'check in' but properly making sure we're keeping to our agreements) means we're far less likely to skip what we should be doing.

Pillar #1: Four-Tiered Investment

Pillar #2: High Levels of Challenge

Pillar #3: Powerful Perspective

Check the book for more info on the pillars that set you up for success!

Dr. John Demartini, speaker, consultant, and author once said: “It takes one message on one day to change one life.”

Right place, right time, could just make the difference to someone. You never know.

seasons

Everything operates in cycles and seasons. Just like the weather, we go through different phases of life and we have to ride those phases and make the most of them. They will be different, and that's ok… sometimes one section of time is just all the background stuff (planting or nurturing seeds), setting you up for reaping the fruits of your labour at a later date.

everything can change in the span of a few months

A reminder of how quickly things can change if we get on our game. This is encouraging, knowing you're just a few months away from it all taking off. The reverse is also true though, no need to be paranoid about it but we should also be humble.

you’ve got to fall in love with the process more than the outcome

The book is all about the process really, and one could argue so is life. There will be outcomes of course but the focus and the enjoyment has to come in what you're doing day to day.

Thanks Tommy! Anything Else?

Not much to add in this section as we've covered quite a bit in the quotes.

It's one of those books that if you take heed and apply it will make a massive change to your life. Don't just read yet another one of these books, but apply some action and become it, use it as a reference and dive in, and see what happens.

As I said at the start, it goes hand in hand with Atomic Habits. Other books like The Slight Edge, The Compound Effect and The Power of Habit are of similar ilk.

So another spin on this type of concept, and may just hit the spot for many out there. If we can just get a couple of things from any of these books then it's well worth it.

First image my own, second linked to source

Check out the others in the series…