1% Effort to 100% Goal

Any ambitious goal always seemed gargantuan at first. It felt so not because the goal is actually out-of-reach, but because we had not elevated ourselves into someone capable of achieving it.

Most people resort to going all-in, trying to realize their goal as fast as possible. For example, going to the gym, attempting 100 jump shots, only to realize they can't sink 10 balls, and erroneously concluding that they lack the innate ability to become a professional basketball player.

I posit that all we need is establishing a micro-habit that is as tiny as 1% of the tasks needed to build our foundation for the goal. A five-minute dribbling practice daily is tenfold more effective than a five-hour burnout session.

As you upskill and grow into someone capable of accomplishing that goal, tasks that once seemed convoluted no longer are. Not because the task has become easier, but because your have transcended your former self.

If you can't bring yourself to commit to that 1% effort consistently, then you should just relegate that goal—or any goal at all—to oblivion.