How the compound effect helps me
Time is a friend
Romesh Ranganathan is one of the UK’s most successful comedians. I first became aware of him in 2015 when he performed at Live at the Apollo. Thereafter, he seemed to shoot to fame, appearing in many TV shows, including The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and The Ranganation. Contrary to appearances, success came gradually. Romesh faced many challenges in his attempt to transition from Maths teacher to comedian. For over six years, he wrote jokes every day and performed at open mic nights. He learned from each performance, slowly building his confidence, stage presence and unique style. He said, I guess a part of me knew that if you kept going at something, you’ll eventually get somewhere. Romesh’s commitment to incremental improvement over time paid off.
Daily choices
You choose who you are with your actions each day. - Shane Parrish
Everyday we face a series of choices that, though small and seemingly insignificant, set the course for our lives. Small decisions compound over time and shape our destiny. The power of daily choices lies in their repetitive nature and potential to become positive habits. To illustrate, let’s say we did something daily for a year that improved our position by 1% per day. At the end of the year, we would be 38 times better off.
I was a very poor reader at school and failed my English Language GCSE. From age 30, I decided to do something about it. Through sustained, conscious effort, including reading books and writing daily, I overcame the mental block I had had. Today, I love reading and enjoy writing this blog; a huge transformation for me.
Momentum
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. - James Clear
A heavy flywheel takes much effort to start moving. Once rotating, little energy is required to keep it going. Similarly, the initial stages of forming new habits or breaking old ones require significant determination. However, once positive habits are established, maintaining them becomes progressively easier. Often the best way to start is with small steps. We tend to over estimate what we can achieve in a day and underestimate what is possible in a year. Consistency is the key to long term success.
In March 2000, my daughter, Claudia, kicked off my daily walking habit. Since then I have walked 8,200 miles. My physical and mental health is so much better for it.
Influences
Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey
The people we surround ourselves with and the information we consume significantly affect our thoughts, actions and success. We should be selective about our environment, including friends, colleagues and media. Influences can act as multipliers in the compound effect. Positive influences, such as role models or books that expand our understanding, accelerate our growth. Conversely, negative influences hinder us. We should consciously choose influences that align with our values and goals.
In the last year, I have stopped listening to daily news. I found much it too negative and of little value. Instead, I choose to consume more uplifting and relevant content, including comedy podcasts and audio books.
Other resources
Top Productivity Strategy talk by Darren Hardy
Network Effects - Growing Pains post by Phil Martin
Show Me Your Bad Ideas post by Phil Martin
Albert Einstein put it best. Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't, pays it.
Have fun.
Phil…
