Do you want to see a significant change in your health but aren’t sure where to start? It could be physical, mental, social, or financial—or even better, all of them! This blog will guide you through a simple yet powerful 3 step approach to improve your life by 37x in one year. Keep reading to discover how small, consistent changes can lead to massive improvements in your overall well-being.
IMPROVING BY 37X
You might wonder, how is it possible to improve by such a staggering amount? The answer lies in the power of compounding.
Creating real change isn’t about drastic resolutions or unattainable goals. Instead, it’s about consistent, small improvements. As author James Clear explains:
“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”1
Just as investments grow over time, our daily actions build upon one another. Imagine improving yourself by just 1% every day. It may not sound like much, but these small daily improvements add up exponentially over time. By the end of the year, you won’t just be 365% better; you’ll be 3678% better!
THE POWER OF COMPOUNDING
This isn’t about achieving dramatic results overnight through sheer willpower or setting lofty goals and trying really hard. Instead, think of it like a trainer who gradually builds on previous successes. Each day, you’ll make a small, manageable improvement. Over time, these small wins compound, leading to substantial and lasting changes.
If you commit to improving your health by just 1% every day, you’ll see a transformation that’s 37 times better than where you started. How? Through the power of health habits.
WHAT ARE HEALTH HABITS?
Health habits are the daily routines that shape our lives. Without paying attention, these habits can easily become unhealthy, such as poor diet choices, excessive screen time, or neglecting social connections. However, by making conscious, positive changes, you can create habits that significantly improve your well-being.
These habits cover various aspects of life, including the food you eat, the amount of time you spend with friends, your work-life balance, and your alcohol consumption. By slowly and gradually adjusting these areas, you can transform your health and experience dramatic improvements over time.
STEP 1: BIG-LIFE CHARACTERISTICS
Before we dive into the small changes, first decide what you're aiming for and the big-life characteristics you want to define your life. These should be broad and impactful! For example, do you want to be the type of person who’s active, calm, family-focused, or adventurous? Choose and write down 2 or 3 words that capture the characteristics you envision for your best life.
STEP 2: FOCUS AREAS FOR HEALTH HABITS
Once you have your 2-3 words, let’s break them down. Think about Physical Health, Mental Health, Social Health, and Financial Health. Reflect on how your chosen characteristics relate to these four areas. Then, write down some health habits under each area that will help you build toward the life characteristics you want to live out.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Physical health is foundational to overall well-being. Consider health habits around your activity, diet, sleep, or even addressing chronic pain.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health is equally important. You may want to consider how much time you’re giving to activities that recharge you. Think about whether reflective habits, such as journaling or relaxation exercises, could help manage stress and bring more mental clarity.
SOCIAL HEALTH
We are social beings, and maintaining healthy relationships is vital for overall health. Review your calendar: are you spending time with friends and family who energise you? Try to schedule regular meetups with people who you enjoy spending time with. Consider if you have margin built into your routine so that you have time for those you interact with throughout the day?
FINANCIAL HEALTH
Financial stress can impact every other area of health. Developing habits that promote financial stability and understanding can significantly reduce stress. Setting a zero-based budget each month, getting out of debt, and consistently investing in a diversified portfolio can all help reduce stress and anxiety. Building habits around generosity not only has a positive impact on those around you but it can also improve your own happiness and sense of purpose.2
STEP 3: THE GOLDEN RULE
When it comes to building sustainable health habits, consistency is key. That’s where “The Golden Rule” comes in: Never miss two days in a row. Missing a single day happens to everyone, but allowing it to turn into a second day off can disrupt the momentum you’ve built.
Tracking your daily habits can make it much easier to stay consistent. Find a way that works for you, apps like 'Habit' or others help you visually track your progress and remind you if you miss a day.
Accountability is a powerful tool in sticking with your goals. Share your health goals with a friend, family member, or even a coach who can help keep you motivated. When you let someone else know what you’re working on, you’re more likely to hit your goals.
CONCLUSION
This approach is a marathon rather than a sprint. Improving your health by 37x in one year is entirely possible with the right approach. Focus on the type of person you want to become before thinking about the specific, short-term goals. Then commit to making the your daily 1% improvement.
Tips for Success:
Define Your Vision: Write down your 3 big-life characteristics and the goals you want to achieve in physical, mental, social, and financial health.
Start Small: Focus on 1% improvements daily.
Be consistent: Make sure you track of your progress.
The Golden rule: Commit to never missing two days in a row.
If physical pain is holding you back from the life you want, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists or acupuncturists. We’re here to help you on your journey to better health, book an appointment today.
REFERENCES
James Clear (2018) Atomic Habits. Penguin Random House, New York
Soyoung Park, Thorsten Kahnt, Azade Dogan, Sabrina Strang, Ernst Fehr & Philippe N. Tobler (2016) A neural link between generosity and happiness. Nature Communications. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15964.pdf
