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Incremental Improvement Principles

Jun 23, 2025

Summary

  • The meeting focused on the principle of incremental improvement, exemplified by the "1000% formula" for personal and professional growth.
  • Key steps for daily and long-term productivity improvement were discussed, with emphasis on morning routines, planning, prioritization, and continuous learning.
  • Real-life examples were shared to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach over several years.
  • Attendees were encouraged to apply these principles consistently for guaranteed long-term results.

Action Items

  • No date – All attendees: Begin implementing the daily "golden hour" of reading and morning planning routine as discussed.
  • No date – All attendees: Start using the two self-reflection questions after every important meeting or event.

The 1000% Formula and Incremental Improvement

  • The core idea is based on the law of incremental improvement, also known as Kaizen—making small, daily improvements (e.g., 0.1% per day).
  • Over time, small improvements can compound significantly; improving by 0.1% per day leads to a 26% increase over a year, and over 10 years could lead to a 1000% improvement.
  • Personal anecdote and external example provided to show this compounding effect in income and career growth.

Daily Productivity Principles

  • Start the day at least two hours before the first commitment; dedicate the first "golden hour" to educational or motivational reading.
  • Create a daily task list, plan the day in advance, and prioritize tasks by importance.
  • Work on the most important task first with full focus and discipline before moving to the next priority.
  • Listen to educational audio programs during commutes to transform travel time into continuous learning.

Long-Term Learning and Growth

  • Daily reading (an hour a day) can result in reading approximately one book per week (50 books per year), roughly equivalent to a doctoral curriculum in a chosen field if focused on practical materials.
  • Cumulative improvements in planning, prioritization, and focus can lead to a doubling of productivity within one year.

Reflection and Relationship Management

  • After each important interaction, ask: "What did I do right?" and "What would I do differently next time?"—write down answers to reinforce positive behavior and improvement.
  • Treat every person as important, whether customers, colleagues, or family, to foster positive relationships and self-esteem.
  • Emphasize that success is achieved through steady, incremental improvement, not overnight leaps.

Decisions

  • Adopt the 1000% formula for personal/professional development — Emphasis on consistent, small improvements as a proven method for long-term success.

Open Questions / Follow-Ups

  • Will there be a mechanism to track attendees' progress or accountability as they implement these principles?
  • Are there recommended sources for motivational or subject-specific reading and audio programs?
  • Is there interest in a follow-up meeting to share results and challenges after a set period?