Want incredible life changing results? Get 1% better. Small improvements eventually accumulate according to the Aggregation of marginal gains theory (AOMGT), a thesis taught in B schools across the world. Dave Brailsford, (MBA Sheffield Hallam University) applied it outside of business with astounding results.
Dave became the head of British cycling in 2002. The team, meanwhile, hadn’t medaled in 76 years. Instead of making sweeping changes Dave applied his business training to cycling. “The whole principle came from the idea that if you broke down everything you could think of that goes into riding a bike, and then improve it by 1 percent, you will get a significant increase when you put them all together,” he said. Indeed, He focused on minutia (hand washing (illness avoidance), bicycle maintenance, proper sleep, nutrition) and kept investigating small ways to improve.
His team won 70% of the gold medals in the 2008 Olympics.
This is exciting news because it’s so attainable: We can all get 1% better. Where, specifically, should we focus for max results? Let’s try 4 things.
- Sleep- How much do you sleep? 6 hours? An added 3.6 minutes gets you 1% better.
- Hydration- How much water should you drink daily? Take your weight and divide by 2. That’s how many oz of water you should drink. Not there? 1% improvement is basically an extra sip of water.
- Nutrition- The average American consumes 2250 calories daily, thus getting 1% better means cutting, or increasing the quality of 22.5 calories.
- Movement- The CDC recommends 150 minutes of weekly activity. Not there? Can you jump on the treadmill for an extra 1.5 minutes?
Start small. Keep improving. Get 1 percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done. People will notice.
At this time we’ll open it up to questions. You sir, with your hand raised.
How do I get 1% better at work?
Focus on the above, obviously. You’ll be better rested, fitter, more energetic and happier straightaway. People like you get promoted! Next question- Down in front.
How do I get 1% better as a parent?
It’s surprisingly simple: Focus on the above. Your kid won’t know what to do with all the happiness and energy you bombard them with. Next question-You, sir.
How do I become 1% better as a husband?
And unsurprisingly the AOMGT hits a wall. I don’t know. Try becoming a mind reader.
Will hiring a Trainer get me 1% better?
Yes, and If you hire someone from Fit you’ll get 2% better. Guaranteed.