The Power of 1% Changes: Building the Foundation for Your Dreams
I’m so excited to dive into today’s topic, one that I know will resonate with you if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move closer to your big dreams.
We’re talking about the power of small, consistent changes—1% shifts—that can transform your life.
I know it’s February already (can you believe how fast the year is flying by?), and maybe you’re still crushing your New Year’s goals. Or maybe… they’ve quietly slipped into the background like they do for so many of us. No judgment here—I’ve been there too.
What I’ve learned is this: big dreams require a strong foundation. Without the right systems, habits, and mindset, those goals can feel overwhelming, even though you really want them. That’s why today, we’re going to talk about how tiny, manageable changes can create massive, lasting transformations in your life.
Why Big Dreams Need a Strong Foundation
I love big visions. They light us up, give us hope, and push us to grow. But here’s the truth: if you’re trying to build a skyscraper without a solid foundation, it’s going to collapse.
The same is true for your dreams.
Without a foundation of supportive habits, beliefs, and systems, you’ll likely end up spinning your wheels, feeling frustrated, and landing back at square one. And trust me, I’ve been there.
Here’s what I’ve realized: you don’t need a “go big or go home” mentality to build that foundation. In fact, the most powerful transformations often come from focusing on the smallest things—tiny 1% changes that add up over time.
The Myth of Overnight Success
We live in a world that celebrates big, flashy, and instant transformations. You’ve seen the headlines:
- “Lose 50 pounds in 2 months!”
- “Go from zero to six figures overnight!”
- “Launch a business and become an overnight success!”
But let me tell you something: most of those “overnight successes” weren’t overnight at all. They were the result of small, consistent actions over time.
Take the woman running a soul-aligned, thriving business. She didn’t wake up one day with a perfect client list and overflowing bank account. She built that success by shifting her thoughts, beliefs, and habits—laying a foundation that allowed her success to flow naturally.
Why Small Changes Are So Powerful
Here’s where the concept of 1% changes comes in. Instead of overhauling your entire life in one leap, ask yourself:
- What’s one tiny shift I can make today that moves me closer to my vision?
- What’s one small habit I can commit to, even if it feels ridiculously easy?
My coach, Corinne Crabtree, has a saying I love: “Your 1% change should feel so small, it seems like it won’t make a difference.”
Why? Because those tiny shifts—while they might not feel like much in the moment—compound over time. They create momentum. And that momentum leads to massive, life-changing growth.
The Math of 1% Changes
Let’s break it down. If you commit to improving by just 1% every day, by the end of the year, you’ll be 37 times better than when you started.
Think about that for a second.
This idea comes from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits (if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it!). He explains how habits are like the compound interest of self-improvement. Small, consistent actions multiply over time to create extraordinary results.
And here’s a quote from the book that changed everything for me:
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
That’s why the small, consistent actions matter so much. They’re the system that supports your vision.
The Problem with “All or Nothing” Thinking
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
There was a time when I wanted to get back into working out. I’d been snuggled up all winter (total couch potato vibes), and I decided to go all in: waking up at 6 a.m. every day to hit the gym.
Sounds great, right? Except… I’m not a morning person. At all.
So, I’d miss the gym, spiral into guilt, and beat myself up for not being disciplined enough. My goal wasn’t realistic or sustainable, and it completely backfired.
That’s why I love 1% changes. They don’t overwhelm you. They meet you where you are. And as those tiny shifts build momentum, they grow into something extraordinary.
How to Start Making 1% Changes
If you’re ready to build the foundation for your dreams through small, consistent action, here’s how to get started:
1. Ask Yourself: What’s One Tiny Shift I Can Make Today?
Think about your big vision—whether it’s financial freedom, a thriving business, or feeling confident in your skin. Then, identify one small action that supports that vision.
It should feel so simple it’s almost ridiculous. That’s the point.
2. Commit to One Easy Habit
Choose a habit that feels effortless to start. Maybe it’s journaling for 2 minutes a day, drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, or spending 5 minutes visualizing your goals.
3. Trust the Process
Remember, these small shifts compound over time. You don’t have to figure it all out at once or take massive action. Just take one tiny step, then another, and another.
Why 1% Changes Work
Think of your efforts like rolling a snowball down a hill. At first, it’s tiny. But with every turn, it picks up more snow, more weight, and more momentum.
That’s the power of 1% changes. They might feel small now, but over time, they create unstoppable momentum that transforms your life.
Friend, your big dreams don’t require a massive leap. They require small, intentional steps taken consistently.
So, what’s your big vision?
Maybe it’s starting your own business, manifesting a dream relationship, or achieving financial freedom. Whatever it is, hold that vision in your mind and ask:
- What’s one tiny shift I can make today to move closer to that vision?
Then, do it. And tomorrow, do it again.
These small steps build the foundation that allows your dreams to flourish. And before you know it, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come—all because you started with 1%.
Until next time, keep showing up for yourself and manifesting an epic fucking life.
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