Keep it Simple

Making changes to your life to bring positive results does not always mean you have to make drastic changes. I have been reading the book by Darren Hardy called "The Compound Effect." If you haven't read it, it is very inspiring. The Compound Effect is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small, smart choices. The small steps are just that, small and simple. Because they are so small and simple, they can seem insignificant. But, over a long period of time, they bring huge results. One example Hardy uses in his book is cutting out 125 calories from your diet each day. This is such a small step that it really only amounts to cutting out about a cup of cereal, trading a can of soda for a bottle of water, or switching from mayo to mustard on your sandwich everyday. But in the long run it results in a big change. If you break it down over a period of 3 years, it looks something like this:

36 months = 1,091 days
1,091 days x 125 calories = 136,451 calories
136,451 calories divided by 3500 calories per pound = 38.9 pounds!


As Hardy mentions in this book, you can use this strategy for improving your health, relationships, finances, or anything really. As I read this, it reminded me of a story someone told me about my mother-in-law. Every time she did laundry, she would pay herself the amount it would cost her to do laundry at a laundromat. I think it was something like less than a dollar per load (I will have to clarify with her). She made this incredibly small commitment until she had enough to purchase a brand new, top of the line, energy efficient washer and dryer. This is the Compound Effect!

What small step can you make everyday to reach your current goals? Commit to that small step today! No matter how insignificant it might seem, stay committed to taking that step every single day. You may not see changes immediately, but over time you will notice change. And when you reach your goal you will look back and feel less ordinary and more extraordinary!