The 1% Rule: How Tiny Improvements Lead to Big Results

This is Day 2 of my 30-day daily writing challenge. Today, I want to share how tiny improvements lead to big results.

What if improving just 1% each day could completely change your life?

I used to believe that mastering a skill required long, intense practice sessions. I pushed myself to read more, write more, and work harder every day. But whenever I fell short, I felt frustrated—like I wasn’t doing enough.

So I kept increasing my workload. More reading. More writing. More pressure.

It didn’t work. Instead of improving, I burned out.

Then I came across the 1% Rule in Atomic Habits by James Clear. It changed everything.

What Is the 1% Rule?

The 1% Rule is simple: instead of making drastic changes, aim to improve by just 1% every day. These tiny improvements might seem insignificant at first, but over time, they compound into massive results.

Think of it like compounding interest—small gains stack up exponentially, leading to significant growth.

This idea reshaped how I approached writing.

How I Applied the 1% Rule to Writing

Instead of forcing myself to write for hours and risking burnout, I redesigned my routine to focus on small, daily improvements.

I created a 30-day writing challenge, breaking it into manageable tasks:

  • Day 1: Freewrite for 10 minutes about why I want to improve my writing.
  • Day 2: Explain a simple concept in 100 words.
  • Day 3: Describe a personal experience using vivid details.
  • Day 4: Summarize a book, article, or podcast in 200 words.
  • Day 5: Rewrite a past post, making it clearer and more engaging.

Each task seems small on its own, but together, they build a strong, consistent writing habit.

Now, writing feels easier. I no longer stress over doing more—instead, I focus on getting slightly better each day.

The Key to Success: Consistency

The real power of the 1% Rule isn’t just improvement—it’s showing up consistently.

Small, steady actions create momentum. If you improve by just 1% daily, you’ll be 37 times better in a year. That’s the magic of compounding growth.

Your Turn: Start Small, Stay Consistent

What’s one habit you’re trying to build?

Break it down into tiny, manageable tasks. Show up every day and commit to small improvements.

Because big results don’t come from big efforts—they come from small efforts, repeated daily.


Before you go

If you enjoyed this post, why not stay in the loop? Subscribe to Gav’s Notes for more actionable tips and insights delivered straight to your inbox!

Scroll to Top