Success is a few simple disciplines, practised every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day”
Jim Rohn
The idea of ‘1% each day’ reflects the Swahili saying ‘Haba na haba hujaza kibaba’ – meaning progress accumulates gradually. It is about taking small steps without overwhelming yourself. Setting large goals may lead to burnout, frustration, and failure, but consistent, small, and measurable actions add up to something significant. Even though this progress may go unnoticed, it holds meaningful value in the long run.
It is also embodied in ‘Kaizen’, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. Small steps, when repeated, lead to remarkable outcomes. James Clear sums it up in ‘The Power of Tiny Gains’ – If you get one percent better each day, you will end up thirty-seven times better than how you started at the end of the year.
It is crucial to view medical school as a marathon, not a sprint. Being wise with time, setting achievable goals, and understanding that massive gains often come from tiny improvements are key. Remember that doubling efforts does not always double the results. Sometimes a slight improvement is all that is needed.
Here are two actionable ways to improve:
1. Be consistent with what works: Stick to activities that make you a better version of yourself. For instance, aim for at least 20 practice questions each day, read a chapter of a novel, exercise for 15 minutes, and brush your teeth every night.
2. Reduce unproductive habits: This is also known as improvement by subtraction. It is much easier to eliminate than to build a new habit. You may consider eating fewer unhealthy foods, missing fewer workouts, and setting a timer to limit death scrolling on social media.
By embracing consistent gradual improvement, even the smallest daily efforts pave the way for significant long-term achievements.
I’m a 5th Year Medical Student who works hard and plays even harder
