Summary of 1 percent Secret part 1

 The History of the Concept Highlight (yellow) - Page 10 "cumulative karma," where every small action has the potential to contribute to a more significant result in a future life or even the current one. Highlight (pink) - Page 10 the goal is not to make sweeping, drastic changes, but to constantly look for small ways to make processes more efficient. Highlight (blue) - Page 10 "winner fringe rule." Highlight (blue) - Page 10 suggests that in competitions of all kinds, from political elections to sports races, it is often a small advantage that determines the outcome. In other words, the difference between the winner and second place could be only 1%, but that small margin is enough to change the outcome of the competition and, in many cases, the lives of the people involved. Highlight (orange) - Page 11 It's a reminder that success and excellence don't always come from great actions, but more often from constantly striving to be a little better every day. Why is the 1% so powerful? Highlight (yellow) - Page 13 1% becomes a kind of "adaptability insurance", a mechanism that allows us to adjust our sails to navigate unknown seas. The goal is not to get it right once and for all, but rather to maintain a steady pace of incremental improvements that allow us to adapt to changing circumstances. Highlight (blue) - Page 13 This allows us to maintain a sense of progress and success, which in turn reinforces our self- efficacy and commitment to the ultimate goal. It's a virtuous circle that underpins self- discipline and long- term commitment, two critical components to any kind of sustainable success. Highlight (orange) - Page 13 1% improvement, we minimize friction by making the required action as small and manageable as possible. This increases the likelihood that we will take that action and thus establish a pattern of continuous improvement. Highlight (pink) - Page 14 The power of the 1% lies in its ability to generate significant cumulative effects through continuous and sustainable improvement, to adapt to complex and changing environments, to foster a psychology of success and self- discipline, to minimize friction and resistance to change, and to be applicable in an almost infinite variety of contexts and circumstances. It is a strategy that transforms the way we meet our challenges and goals, offering a practical and realistic approach to continuous improvement and long- term success. The Mathematics behind the 1% Highlight (blue) - Page 16 "asymptote", which in this context refers to a limit that is never reached but towards which the results tend. Here, the asymptote represents the ideal version of yourself: always out of reach but always closer with every 1% improvement. Highlight (yellow) - Page 17 doubling your effort doesn't necessarily double your results. But small increases in your efforts are often more sustainable and easier to maintain in the long run. Highlight (orange) - Page 17 They teach us that small actions have the power to add up over time, thanks to the phenomenon of compound interest. Demystifying the concept of "overnight success" Highlight (yellow) - Page 21 "overnight success", it is crucial to understand that behind that concept there are a large number of factors and processes that rarely show up on the public stage. Introduction to the Deming Cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) Highlight (pink) - Page 23 Continuous Improvement Cycle, also known as the Deming Cycle in honor of its creator, the statistician William Edwards Deming, Highlight (pink) - Page 23 four- stage cycle of Plan, Do, Check and Act (PDCA) offers a structured and repeatable approach to improvement in any area. Highlight (orange) - Page 24 Planning stage Highlight (orange) - Page 24 where ideas are conceptualized and developed. Highlight (blue) - Page 24 1% theory intertwines with the Planning phase, as it focuses on identifying small but powerful areas of improvement that can have a significant impact over time. Highlight (orange) - Page 24 Do phase. Highlight (orange) - Page 24 ideas and plans are put into practice. Highlight (yellow) - Page 24 Check phase is perhaps the most critical stage of the cycle. Highlight (pink) - Page 24 It is in this phase that data is collected, results are examined, and achievements are compared with the objectives established during the evaluation phase.Planning. Highlight (blue) - Page 25 Act stage. Highlight (blue) - Page 25 where an informed decision is made as to whether to continue with the current plan, make minor modifications, or completely revise the original strategy. Highlight (yellow) - Page 25 The Deming Cycle is a dynamic process and never stops. Each iteration of the cycle provides an opportunity to improve and optimize, always in search of excellence. Highlight (pink) - Page 25 Continuous Improvement Cycle or Deming Cycle, Highlight (pink) - Page 25 is a philosophical approach to life and continuous improvement. It is a way of thinking that encompasses careful planning, considered implementation, careful review, and informed adaptation. Highlight (orange) - Page 25 it teaches us that the search for excellence is a constant process, and that each cycle is a new opportunity to be better than we were before. How to apply the Continuous Improvement Cycle in your life Highlight (blue) - Page 27 The planning stage involves defining clear and achievable goals. Highlight (blue) - Page 27 Instead, each goal can be broken down into smaller, more manageable components. Highlight (orange) - Page 28 defined, the next step is to put these actions into practice. Highlight (yellow) - Page 28 After a set period, it is essential to review and evaluate progress. Highlight (yellow) - Page 28 1%, it's not about how much you've changed in absolute terms, but rather whether those small changes are adding up in a way that's bringing you closer to your overall goal. Highlight (orange) - Page 29 phase, the "Act" phase involves making adjustments to optimize the process. Highlight (pink) - Page 29 The key is to recognize that improvement is not a one- time event, but rather an ongoing process. The Continuous Improvement Cycle provides us with a tool to make this process more structured, measurable and, ultimately, more effective. Highlight (yellow) - Page 29 embrace the philosophy of small cumulative changes. It Highlight (yellow) - Page 29 encourages you to view your life as an optimizable environment where excellence is achieved not through isolated efforts, but through an unbroken series of small optimizations. Highlight (blue) - Page 30 Incorporating the Continuous Improvement Cycle into your personal life is an effective and sustainable approach that can bring significant value to your efforts to achieve lasting change. Breaking down each phase of the cycle Highlight (orange) - Page 31 possible. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Temporary) goals is a great way to do this. Strategic thinking also comes into play here; Highlight (pink) - Page 31 the time to map out the tasks needed and the time it will take to complete them. Highlight (orange) - Page 32 There also needs to be some adaptability and flexibility in our execution. Not everything will go as planned; that's almost a given. Highlight (blue) - Page 32 Having a rigid approach can lead to a lack of progress, while an adaptable approach will allow us to navigate through challenges without losing sight of our goals. Highlight (yellow) - Page 32 we stop our actions long enough to evaluate and analyze our results. It's like being a detective of our own life. Highlight (pink) - Page 32 at the data, look for patterns, comparing what we have achieved with what we planned. Highlight (yellow) - Page 32 "Act" phase, which takes the information and findings from the "Check" phase and uses them to make adjustments to the initial plan or execution of that plan. But this phase is not just about fixing bugs; it is also about optimizing and improving. Highlight (pink) - Page 32 The "Act" phase allows us to polish and refine our approach, based on real evidence and tangible results. Highlight (pink) - Page 33 cycle. It's not something we do once and then quit; it's an iterative process, and with each iteration, we get a little wiser, a little more effective, and, yes, a little closer to that magical 1% improvement we're looking for. Highlight (orange) - Page 33 As you move through the phases, you are building, layer by layer, towards a better version of yourself. It's a systematic way of ensuring that you're constantly progressing, constantly learning, and yes, constantly improving. Measurement and monitoring: The importance of key performance indicators (KPIs) Highlight (blue) - Page 35 adjusting. But one of the most crucial elements in this cycle is the one that focuses on "Measurement and monitoring: The importance of key performance indicators (KPIs)". Highlight (yellow) - Page 35 KPIs, are quantifiable metrics that allow evaluating the performance or success of an activity. Highlight (yellow) - Page 36 their ability to provide specific data, which is critical when looking to implement change Highlight (yellow) - Page 36 based on the 1% principle. Highlight (pink) - Page 36 it. KPIs must be carefully selected to ensure they align with strategic goals and objectives. Highlight (orange) - Page 37 key aspect of KPIs is their dynamic nature. They are not static; require regular review and adaptation. Highlight (blue) - Page 37 adjustments are required, which adds another layer of complexity to the already difficult task of measuring and monitoring. Highlight (yellow) - Page 37 measurement and monitoring through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are critical to any continuous improvement process, especially when the 1% principle is applied. Highlight (yellow) - Page 37 with a structure that not only makes improvement possible, but also makes it sustainable in the long term. What is a habit? Highlight (pink) - Page 40 A habit can be considered as a series of actions or thoughts that, once acquired, are carried out almost automatically and without the need for a conscious effort. Highlight (orange) - Page 40 the brain is optimizing resource management, freeing up cognitive capacity to focus on more demanding tasks. Highlight (orange) - Page 40 repetition. Unlike single actions, which can have a punctual impact, habits have the property of accumulating their effects. Highlight (blue) - Page 41 because the power of repetition and accumulation works in your favor. Habits that improve your performance, health, or any other area of your life by just 1% generate significant results Highlight (yellow) - Page 41 The "cue" is the trigger that sets the habit in motion. It can be a place, a time of day, a series of emotional events, or even specific people. The "routine" is the action you take in response to the cue, and the "reward" is the benefit you get from completing the routine. Highlight (pink) - Page 41 Habits are indicators of identity, of who you are or who you are in the process of becoming. Highlight (pink) - Page 42 It is a master key to unlocking awesome potential in almost every aspect of our lives. The Psychology of Habit Formation Highlight (orange) - Page 43 Habit formation is essentially an automation process. When we repeat an action enough, our brain starts taking shortcuts to conserve energy. Highlight (blue) - Page 43 habits are automated responses to specific cues or stimuli in our environment or in our own train of thought. Highlight (yellow) - Page 43 'Habit Loop'. This loop consists of three key components: the cue, the routine, and the reward. Highlight (pink) - Page 44 Each time a habit loop is completed, the neural connections related to that chain of events are strengthened in the brain. In essence, a pattern is being recorded in neural memory, making it more likely that the same loop will repeat itself in the future. Highlight (orange) - Page 44 Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, plays a key role in this mechanism. This neurotransmitter is released not only when we experience the reward, but also in anticipation of it, motivating us to take the action that will lead to the reward. Highlight (blue) - Page 45 "habit substitution," which involves identifying the cue and reward of a negative habit and finding a different routine that offers a similar reward. Highlight (yellow) - Page 45 Habit formation is the mechanism by which we can translate our ambitions and goals into concrete and sustainable actions, which in turn allows us to achieve significant achievements over time. Identifying and changing negative habits Highlight (pink) - Page 47 actions. True wisdom comes from understanding, and self- awareness is the key to effectively changing your habits. Highlight (pink) - Page 47 Once negative habits are identified, the next step is to formulate a strategy to change them. Highlight (orange) - Page 47 making. It is a process that involves several levels of your being: cognitive, emotional and behavioral. You must understand the reason for the habit, feel the need to change it, and then apply that understanding and desire to a concrete behavior change. Highlight (blue) - Page 48 don't underestimate the power of the environment and external influences when it comes to changing negative habits. Highlight (blue) - Page 48 if you find yourself in an environment that constantly reinforces your bad habits, it will be an uphill battle. Highlight (yellow) - Page 48 Changing negative habits is a complex process that involves a great deal of self- examination, an effective strategy for gradual change, and a system for ongoing monitoring and adaptation. Through consistent effort, framed by the lens of 1% progress, this act of transformation becomes an integral part of the continuous improvement cycle, enabling you to move towards your goals and aspirations in a more effective and sustainable way. It is an exercise in deep self- awareness and adaptation, a continual refinement of who you are in the process of becoming the person you want to be. micro habits vs. Macro Habits: How to Start Small Highlight (pink) - Page 50 The power of micro habits lies in their simplicity and their ability to be built over time. Highlight (pink) - Page 50 The psychological benefit of starting with micro habits is also considerable. Meeting small goals generates a sense of accomplishment that acts as positive reinforcement, encouraging the adoption of additional habits. Highlight (yellow) - Page 51 Micro habits are flexible enough to be adjusted or transformed if the situation requires it. Highlight (yellow) - Page 51 The inherent flexibility of micro habits makes them more resistant to disruption, which in turn makes them more sustainable in the long run. Highlight (blue) - Page 51 First, choose a micro habit that is aligned with your macro goal. Highlight (blue) - Page 51 meal. Second, make sure the micro habit is measurable and achievable in the short term. Third, integrate this habit into your daily routine in a way that requires little effort to remember and perform. The Importance of Physical Space Highlight (pink) - Page 53 Physical space affects our psychology and emotions in subtle but powerful ways. Highlight (pink) - Page 54 Our environment can reflect and aggravate our emotional and mental state, and vice versa. Highlight (orange) - Page 55 The physical space in which we operate is not a neutral element in our search for improvement and growth. It is an active participant, which affects us and can also be affected by us. Highlight (blue) - Page 55 actions. From the arrangement of the furniture to the lighting and the absence of distractions, every detail counts. Highlight (yellow) - Page 55 Let us not forget, then, that the environment in which we choose to live and work every day can be a mirror that reflects our aspirations, our discipline and our commitment to excellence. How the People Around You Affect Your Progress Highlight (pink) - Page 57 Research in social psychology has shown that human behavior is contagious. Highlight (pink) - Page 57 Therefore, the choice of our "tribe" becomes a crucial element for personal and professional improvement. Highlight (yellow) - Page 57 This influence is not limited to our direct choices or behaviors. It also extends to our core beliefs and perceptions about what is possible. Highlight (blue) - Page 57 People who are part of strong, positive social networks often have more opportunities for growth, as their connections are more willing to share information, offer support, and collaborate on mutually beneficial projects. Highlight (orange) - Page 58 it is imperative to be highly selective with the people we let into our inner circle. This does not mean that we should pursue relationships just for the utilitarian value they may offer; that would be reductionist and ultimately unsatisfying both emotionally and ethically. Rather, it means seeking relationships that are mutually beneficial, where both parties feel enriched and empowered by the interaction. Highlight (blue) - Page 58 least, the quality of our interpersonal relationships also has a ripple effect on other aspects of our lives. A nurturing social environment can improve our mental health, increase our resistance to stress, and raise our self- esteem, all of which contribute indirectly but powerfully to our ability to achieve our goals and continually improve. Highlight (pink) - Page 58 conclusion, the people around you act as forces that can speed up or slow down your progress in life. By carefully choosing who you spend your time and energy with, you not onlyimprovements your opportunities and resources, but alsotoast an environment where your efforts to improve by 1% each day are more likely to be fruitful and sustainable. Designing an enabling environment for change Highlight (orange) - Page 60 The central idea here is to create an external context that, almost autonomously, inclines us towards decisions and actions that favor our long- term goals. Highlight (orange) - Page 60 reduce the burden of always having to make conscious and deliberate decisions to act in our best interest. In other words, the well- designed environment becomes a kind of silent but effective support mechanism for change. Highlight (yellow) - Page 61 the environment can be structured in such a way as to create emotional or cognitive friction against unwanted behaviors. Highlight (pink) - Page 61 In the psychological realm, for example, the layout and aesthetics of space can have a profound impact on our mindset and emotions. A well- lit environment, with colors that evoke calm and focus, can make the process of creative writing or studying more conducive. Natural elements like plants or an outdoor view can also induce a more relaxed state of mind that is receptive to change. In the social realm, the influence of the people with whom we interact cannot be overlooked. As we have discussed in another section of this book, the people around you affect your progress, which means that your social environment is an integral part of the overall environment that you are designing. Highlight (yellow) - Page 61 the enabling environment for change is not a static construct; rather it is dynamic and adapts as our needs, priorities and skill levels change. Highlight (blue) - Page 62 that the environment is like an invisible conductor that guides our actions and decisions, often in ways that we are not fully aware of. By consciously designing an environment that is conducive to the change we want to achieve, we not only make the process easier but also more sustainable. Removing obstacles and distractions from the environment Highlight (yellow) - Page 63 We may have the best intentions and an iron will, but if the environment around us is filled with obstacles and distractions, our progress is likely to be much slower than it could be, if at all. Highlight (blue) - Page 64 From the arrangement of furniture in our home to lighting and sound, every detail can influence our behavior and our decisions Highlight (blue) - Page 64 It is not simply a matter of laziness, but rather a consequence of how the physical environment is not aligned with our goals. Highlight (orange) - Page 64 Turning off unnecessary notifications, setting time limits for certain apps, and decluttering your phone's home screen are effective ways to reduce the digital friction that can keep us from our goals. It's not that social media or apps are inherently bad, but if we don't manage them, they can become obstacles rather than tools. Highlight (pink) - Page 65 if we notice that certain relationships are dragging us down or contributing to habits we want to change, it may be time to set limits or reconsider the time and energy we invest in them. Highlight (yellow) - Page 65 our environment also includes intangible aspects such as culture and social norms, which can have an impact on our decisions and behaviors Highlight (blue) - Page 65 The key to making all this effective is continuous review. As we evolve and change, so do our needs and goals. What worked for us in the past will not necessarily work for us in the future. Highlight (orange) - Page 65 is crucial to not only make these initial adjustments to our environment but also to commit to regularly reviewing and adjusting these elements to ensure they continue to align with our goals. Highlight (pink) - Page 66 removing obstacles and distractions, we are not only clearing the path to our goals, but also exercising a deeper level of self-control and self-discipline. This change in the environment becomes a physical and social manifestation of our commitment to personal improvement and growth, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the 1% that we are trying to apply in our lives. The Myth of Motivation Highlight (yellow) - Page 68 emotional drives and the desire to achieve are important, they are rarely sustainable in the long run by themselves. Emotion is volatile; what we are passionate about today may not have the same effect on us tomorrow, next week, or next year. Highlight (blue) - Page 69 We all face setbacks, disappointments, and the gradual erosion of initial enthusiasm. Therefore, if we rely solely on motivation to keep us on the path to our goals, we are building castles in the air. Highlight (orange) - Page 69 This ignores a fundamental truth: action precedes emotion. Yes, you read right. It is not that you first feel motivated and then act. Often it is the act of committing to a task and seeing it through that creates a sense of accomplishment and therefore more motivation. Action leads to results, which in turn reinforce our desire to act. Highlight (pink) - Page 69 it is just one element in a much more complex system that also includes factors such as environment, discipline, planning, and metric tracking, among other aspects that we have already covered or will cover in other chapters. Highlight (yellow) - Page 70 fundamental principle that should be at the core of any sustained effort: commitment to small daily actions that lead to significant results over time. Highlight (blue) - Page 70 It's time to stop considering motivation as the magic elixir for success and start paying attention to the more tangible and sustainable elements that can be orchestrated and controlled. When we do, we'll realize that true power lies not in the relentless search for an eternal source of inspiration, but in the pragmatic application of tried and true principles that allow us to improve a little each day. The Importance of Long-Term Commitment Highlight (orange) - Page 71 It's what makes it possible for small incremental changes, those 1% gains, to eventually turn into huge results Highlight (pink) - Page 71 Long-term commitment is a kind of pact that you make with yourself. This pact is an implicit contract that you establish, based on a clear vision and well-defined objectives Highlight (pink) - Page 71 The long-term commitment is the equivalent of a lifetime's marriage, rather than a summer idyll. Highlight (yellow) - Page 72 Without a long-term commitment, your trajectory will be more like a rudderless ship floating at random, rather than following a predefined course to a specific destination. You could float in calm waters for a while, enjoying the serenity of the moment, but sooner or later you will find yourself in troubled waters, with no clear strategy for navigating through them. Ultimately, you will find yourself trapped in an endless cycle of ups and downs, unable to make sustained progress in any direction. Highlight (blue) - Page 72 long-term commitment allows you to focus on the process, instead of obsessing over the results. Highlight (blue) - Page 73 opportunity to experiment, learn, and adapt. Highlight (orange) - Page 73 It requires a great deal of self-discipline Highlight (pink) - Page 73 This is the power of long-term commitment, the ability to turn resistance into a resource, to turn challenges into opportunities, and to make each new day a step in the direction of your goals and dreams. Highlight (yellow) - Page 73 It's a life strategy, a conscious choice you make every day to stay focused, to keep pushing yourself even when the going gets tough, and to never stop believing that you can and will achieve your goals, no matter how lofty or unattainable. they may seem at first. After all, the magnitude of the change is not measured in the intensity of the initial effort, but in the sustainability of the effort over time. And that's the secret of the 1%: small, sustained actions that, thanks to the power of long-term commitment, transform into surprisingly big results. Strategies to Maintain Consistency Highlight (blue) - Page 74 you don't rely too much on motivation, but rather on systems that make it easier for you to accomplish the tasks you have in mind. Highlight (blue) - Page 75 Maintaining consistency requires a long-term commitment. Commitment goes beyond momentary emotions or moods. Highlight (orange) - Page 75 Having a robust and well structured system for what you are trying to achieve is crucial. A system is a set of practices, routines, and rules that keep you on track, even when things aren't going well Highlight (orange) - Page 75 Reminders and alarms act as an early warning system that keeps you on the line. Highlight (orange) - Page 75 Consistency can also be fostered through a support group. Having people who share your goals, or at least understand the importance of what you're trying to achieve, can offer significant encouragement. Highlight (orange) - Page 76 it is crucial that you review andsettings your focus regularly. This review process allows you to identify what is working and what is not, so that you can make any necessary adjustments. C Highlight (orange) - Page 76 plateaus and setbacks are part of the continuous improvement process. They are not indicators of failure; rather, they are signs that you need to reevaluate and adjust your approach. Those tough times are also when your long-term commitment is tested. Highlight (pink) - Page 76 Maintaining consistency is a complex task that goes beyond the simple repetition of actions. It requires a long-term commitment, a robust system, and a continuous improvement mindset. By applying strategies like establishing a system, using reminders and alarms, having a support group, and being willing to review and adjust, you can maintain consistency in any area of ​​your life. This is the path to harnessing the power of the 1%, where small actions performed consistently willprovide great results over time.