Welcome to the Foundation Hour! In this episode we’ll be discussing the 1% Axiom of becoming better as an individual and a business owner. In this episode, we’ll be drawing on insights from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Tommy Baker’s The 1% Rule, and the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen as well our own two cents on how we approach the topic!

First, let’s talk about the 1% principle. Tommy Baker’s book, the 1% Rule, argues that making small incremental improvements every day can lead to significant long-term growth. By focusing on improving just 1% each day, we can create a compounding effect that will eventually lead to massive improvements in our personal and professional lives. That’s where James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, comes in. Clear explains that small changes in our habits can have a big impact on our lives. He suggests that by breaking down our habits into small, manageable tasks, we can make the changes necessary to become better versions of ourselves.

We also discuss the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen and how it comes into play. Kaizen is the practice of continuous improvement. It involves making small, incremental changes to our processes or habits in order to improve them over time. Kaizen is rooted in the idea that small improvements made regularly will add up to significant progress in the long run.

How can we apply these principles to become better as individuals and business owners? Let’s start with some tips for personal growth:

1. Focus on small, consistent improvements. Rather than trying to make huge changes overnight, focus on making small changes to your daily routine. For example, if you want to start exercising more, begin by taking a short walk every day and gradually increase your activity level.
2. Use the power of habit. Habits are powerful tools that can help us achieve our goals. Identify the habits that are holding you back and work on replacing them with positive habits that align with your goals.
3. Create systems that support your goals. If you want to achieve a particular goal, create a system that supports that goal. For example, if you want to read more books, create a reading list and set aside time each day for reading.

Now, let’s move on to some tips for business owners:

1. Focus on the long-term. As a business owner, it can be tempting to focus on short-term wins. However, it’s important to keep your long-term goals in mind and work towards them consistently.
2. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage your team to identify areas for improvement and work together to make small, incremental changes that will lead to long-term growth.
3. Use data to inform your decisions. Data is a powerful tool that can help you make informed decisions about your business. Use data to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.

In conclusion, by embracing the 1% principle and the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, we can make small, consistent improvements to our personal and professional lives that will lead to long-term growth and success. By focusing on small, manageable changes and creating systems that support our goals, we can achieve our dreams and become better versions of ourselves. Thank you for tuning in to our podcast, and we’ll see you in the next episode!