The 1% Rule: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results
Coach on Tap
May 1, 2025
We often imagine that meaningful change comes from bold actions—massive career moves, sudden breakthroughs, or complete overhauls of our routines. But what if we told you that true transformation happens in the smallest increments?
Enter the 1% Rule.
Coined and popularized by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits, the 1% Rule is simple yet profound:
“If you improve by just 1% each day, you’ll be 37 times better by the end of the year.”
Let’s explore how this rule works, why it’s so powerful, and how it’s quietly transforming lives—especially through coaching.
Compounding isn’t just for financial returns. It’s a life principle. Just as a small investment grows over time with consistent interest, small improvements in habits, mindset, or performance multiply into massive long-term success.
If you:
Improve by 1% every day → 37x better in a year
Get 1% worse every day → Close to zero
This math shows how direction is more important than speed. You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to nudge it in the right direction.
The 1% Rule works because it reduces overwhelm. Instead of fixating on a huge outcome, you commit to one small improvement:
Add one push-up to your daily workout
Read one page a day
Give one more moment of attention during meetings
Small steps don’t activate the fear center in the brain. They feel doable—and they are. And with every small win, motivation compounds too.
We’re wired to chase instant gratification. If we don’t see quick results, we quit. That’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fail by February. The 1% Rule demands patience, but it delivers exponential growth.
Serena didn’t become one of the greatest tennis players overnight. Her team often focused on one minor adjustment at a time—her backhand footwork, her toss angle. Over the years, those tweaks turned into Grand Slam trophies.
One SaaS founder we coached started refining her cold emails by 1% a day—improving the subject line, adding a stronger CTA, adjusting tone. Within 90 days, her open rates skyrocketed and she secured 3x more client meetings.
At Coach on Tap, we often witness this with clients:
One coachee committed to journaling for just 3 minutes a day. That led to deeper self-reflection and clearer goals within a month.
Another started giving weekly feedback to her team instead of waiting for quarterly reviews. The result? A noticeable rise in morale and productivity.
Want to be a better leader? Don’t try to become a “visionary” overnight. Instead:
Start with asking one better question per meeting
Listen 1% more than you speak
Follow up 1 more time than usual
Trying to land a promotion or new role?
Spend 10 minutes a day on upskilling
Reconnect with one person in your network weekly
Document small achievements in your progress log
Coaching isn’t about solving your life in one session. It’s about asking the right questions, one conversation at a time. With the right coach, you start stacking small insights and actions that change your trajectory.
Coaching provides accountability. When someone is checking in on your 1%, you’re more likely to stay consistent.
Your coach helps you see what 1% change matters most today—not what’s shiny or trending, but what moves yourneedle.
Let’s face it: growth isn’t always linear. Having a coach who believes in your process helps you stay the course—especially on days when the 1% feels invisible.
The next time you’re overwhelmed by your goals, remember:
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to get 1% better.
At Coach on Tap, we believe in the power of micro-changes. Whether you’re seeking growth in your career, leadership, wellness, or relationships, our platform helps you find the right coach who can walk with you—one small, powerful step at a time.
Ready to experience the 1% difference?
Join our growing network of coaches and coachees at www.coachontap.co
