This #MakeItHappenMonday, let’s talk about something truly transformative: the power of getting just 1% better every day. It may not sound flashy, but it’s one of the most powerful strategies for building the career you’ve always dreamed of. Inspired by James Clear’s insights on continuous improvement, this approach is all about consistency and growth over time.
The Magic of 1%
We often think that growth and success require massive leaps—a big break, an audition that changes everything, or a moment that propels you to the next level. While those moments are great, they are usually the result of consistent, small improvements over time. The truth is, if you can improve just 1% each day, by the end of the year, you’ll be thirty-seven times better than where you started!
Why Focus on 1%?
Performers are no strangers to the pressure of perfection. We put in hours, days, and sometimes years honing our craft. But here’s the secret: the difference between good and great is not about doing everything at once. It’s about consistency—about finding tiny, sustainable ways to improve. If you want to make lasting changes in your skillset, mindset, and overall career, focusing on small, manageable improvements is the way to go.
How to Master the Art of Getting 1% Better Every Day
- Do More of What Already Works
Sometimes, we overlook the basics because they seem too simple or unexciting. But progress often hides behind routine. Love your daily vocal warm-ups? Keep doing them with even more dedication. Do you find journaling helps you mentally prepare for auditions? Make it non-negotiable! Do more of what works for you and keep fine-tuning these habits. - Avoid Tiny Losses
Improving isn’t just about adding more—it’s also about doing less of what holds you back. Small mistakes can have a big impact over time, so focus on minimising habits that don’t serve you. Skip fewer rehearsals, be mindful of negative self-talk, and aim for a healthier diet. Improvement often starts by reducing setbacks. - Measure Backward
Instead of only looking at where you want to be, take a moment to reflect on your recent progress. Did you perform a challenging routine with a little more ease this week compared to last? Did you spend more time practising your accents or hit that high note more confidently? Celebrate these wins, however small. Measuring backward helps you realise just how much you’ve already improved, motivating you to keep moving forward.
1% Today Becomes a Winning Streak Tomorrow
In our world, sometimes the difference between booking a role or not is razor-thin. Those tiny differences can compound and lead to major wins. If you consistently improve by just 1% each day, you’ll find that suddenly you are standing out in auditions, growing your network, and feeling more fulfilled. Over time, these small advantages can turn into big opportunities.
It’s easy to overlook these small changes when you’re eager for significant breakthroughs, but they are the seeds of the best things to come. Keep pushing forward, just 1% at a time, and watch how you’ll grow not just in your career but in your confidence, passion, and resilience as well.
Your Challenge for the Week
This week, I challenge you to identify one small thing you can improve by 1% every day. It could be your flexibility, vocal range, confidence in improvisation, or even your daily mindset. Write it down, track it, and let that 1% lead you closer to your dreams.
CTA: Ready to Kickstart Your Week?
- Set Your 1% Improvement Goal: Write down your 1% improvement focus for the week ahead. How will you grow just a little each day?
- Join the Conversation: Share your 1% goal in the comments below and inspire your fellow performers. Let’s cheer each other on!
- Accountability Check: By the end of the week, revisit your goal and see how far you’ve come. Reflect on your progress and keep building from there!
Remember, success is a collection of tiny, consistent actions over time. You’ve got this!
Credit to James Clear for the inspiration behind this concept of continuous improvement. For more about the power of 1%, check out his work in “Atomic Habits.”
