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Could a penny be the key to success?
In Jeff Olson’s book “The Slight Edge” he shares the power of a penny. He shares a story of 2 brothers that are given the choice by their dying father of having 1 million dollars cash or having 1 penny double every day for 30 days. The first son takes the 1 million up front and starts investing it while the other takes the penny and lets it double daily for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days the first son improved his fortune some but the second son who took advantage compounding interest had over 10 million dollars.
I know those are amazing returns and that compounding interest is not that clear cut but this really has nothing to do with finances though it can teach you a lot. The reason I am sharing this is because I want you to think of the habits you are doing on a daily basis that over time will add up.
Did you know that by day 21 the second brother only had $83,866.08?
What are the pennies in your life?
As I mentioned this has nothing to do with easy money but more about doing the little things. Those things that are easy to do but just as easy not to do. Jeff contends that the successful people do those little things on a daily basis that add up over time. In fact he talks about integrity as the things you do even when no one is watching.
Think of it like this.
What if you skipped dessert and ate a salad tonight; would it make a difference in the way you looked?
Probably not.
What if you did it for 365 days straight?
I believe you would notice a big difference. The key to The Slight Edge is doing those little things daily, consistently, with a good attitude.
Baseball analogy:
In the game of life who do you think will be successful in the long run. The person swinging for the stands with each swing or the guy that consistently gets the hits?
Statistics shows that many of the greatest home run hitters also struck out the most. While I am a big believer in going big and reaching for the stars I see the value of the little steps. Keep the big vision but take the steps to get there. Don’t just go for the quantum leaps. I have seen it in my life and the lives of the my most successful clients who have stuck with the lifestyle. The body is a great adapter but if the jump or the stimulus is too big it has no time to adapt. That is why 1-step at a time will always beat out the home-run.
Here is a statement that I recently wrote in my journal after reading this book:
“I will become an overnight success in five years with the habits of today.”
I wrote this for 2 reasons. First, to give me vision of the future and second, to give me patience. I find myself wanting results instantaneously. This statement helps me stay focused. It may not work for you but find something that does.
I also set up 3 actions I will take for the remainder of this year to help establish successful habits in different parts of my life.
1.) I will read at least 10 pages from a good book daily. (mind)
– This will help me read about 10 good books in one year. Think of all the mind expanding knowledge you can gain by doing this. Personal growth is a very strong core value of mine and I know the better I become the better I can serve others.
2.) I will workout at least 10 minutes daily. (health)
– I am notorious for picking up and doing some monstrous workouts then not doing anything for several days, weeks, or months. This is a way of keeping me accountable and maintaining momentum, strength and keeping me accountable. Also movement crucial for a productive mind.
3.) I will make at least 5 calls to new prospects or current clients daily. (business)
– I am committed to growing my business and helping as many people as possible. Making these calls will allow me to stay accountable to my vision helping as many people as possible. Plus I get to meet more cool people looking to reaching the greatest and grandest versions of themselves.
Action Step:
What 3 little actions can you take daily that can help you become an “overnight success” in five years?
I’d love for you to share your thoughts and a daily task you will commit to do for the rest of the year.
Cheers,
AC
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