The 5 DAILY Habits That Will TRANSFORM Your Leadership (Guaranteed!)

The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby

The Power of Incremental Progress: Unlocking Your Potential with the 1% Rule

Have you ever looked at wildly successful leaders and wondered how they got there? It's tempting to think they possess some extraordinary talent or luck that we lack. But the truth, as revealed in Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule," is often far less glamorous and far more accessible. It's about the power of small, consistent improvement.

The Secret? It's in the Process

Baker's central premise is that if you commit to being just 1% better at your chosen field, passions, or leadership goals every single day, the compounding effect over time leads to astounding transformation.

This might feel underwhelming at first. But this is where understanding the mindset of a self-aware leader helps immensely. Instead of focusing on distant, daunting targets, the 1% Rule offers a path of sustainable and attainable progress.

The 1% Code for Self-Aware Leaders

Baker outlines five key principles to make the 1% Rule work for you:

1. Fall in love with the process: Self-aware leaders understand that it's not about the final destination, but about embracing the journey of constant growth and development. Find joy in the everyday tasks that contribute to your long-term vision.

2. Do it every single day: Consistency is key. Even small actions, done daily, become powerful. Carve out time for reflection, learning, and intentional efforts to improve, no matter how busy you get.

3. Celebrate your commitment: Self-aware leaders are kind to themselves. Recognize your effort, and use those small wins as fuel to sustain your momentum.

4. Track your metrics and data: Knowing where you stand helps you adapt your approach. What are the key metrics indicating your leadership progress? Find ways to track them to chart your growth.

5. Master your craft: The relentless pursuit of excellence is a self-aware leader's hallmark. Dedicate yourself to continual learning, refining your knowledge and skills within your leadership domain.

Why it matters for Leadership

The 1% Rule approach cultivates:

• Resilience: Small, daily wins build confidence in your ability to navigate even major challenges.
• Sustainable growth: Instead of burnout from chasing grand goals, you build long-lasting progress.
• Focus: The clarity of daily action keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by the big picture.
• Adaptability: Being a self-aware leader means continually evolving. The 1% Rule naturally keeps you in a mindset of ongoing learning.

Where in your leadership could you apply the 1% Rule right now? Maybe it's dedicating 15 minutes a day to reading relevant material, or taking time to better understand a team member's perspective.

Share your thoughts below! How might this micro-improvement approach transform your leadership journey?

Further Exploration: For more on this concept, check out Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule: How to Fall in Love With The Process and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams"