I have been focusing on the practical aspects of personal growth lately. Growth, of any kind, can be an exciting but overwhelming proposition. While reading John Maxwell’s book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, I was introduced to Darren Hardy’s concept of the Compound Effect. While not a completely new idea, the Compound Effect “is the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small smart choices” (Hardy, 2010, para 2). Hardy (2010) states “What’s most interesting about this process to me is that, even though the results are massive, the steps, in the moment don’t feel significant” (para. 2).

The concept of achieving desired growth by applying small but consistent changes, inspires me because these actions are achievable. For example, most people desire to be healthier but the notion of a long and painful exercise routine can discourage change. Who likes pain, anyway? I surely do not. However, I can (and have for a couple years now) walk for fifteen minutes a day. At my pace, fifteen minutes results in walking about a mile. Doing this five days a week, I walk about 250 miles a year. That is about the equivalent of walking from Boston to Trenton, NJ annually. While I may not be ready for the Ironman Triathlon, I feel healthier and have more energy than I did before starting this routine. This example of the Compound Effect in action inspires me to implement other small changes. Reading growth oriented material each day, making sure I am consistently saving for a rainy day, and meditating on spiritually uplifting ideas has helped me to grow in areas that are important to me.

What small change can you implement today that will have a large payoff in the future? When have you utilized the Compound Effect to create success?

Hardy, D. (May 6, 2010). The Compound Effect. Retrieved from http://www.success.com/article/the-compound-effect.