Transforming Perspectives | Small Steps, Big Changes

Imagine a young 20 year old guy on a mission to finish university.

Overwhelmed with studies and in peak of the struggles to walk the path of student life...

That was me almost 6 years ago. I just finished my second year. I received a strange gift that would change my perspective forever. I had never been someone who enjoyed reading books for fun; I always found it time-consuming and slow, preferring to gather information from various sources. I couldn't fathom why people would spend hours lying in bed with a book. Imagine my confusion when I received this bulky book “Atomic Habits” as a gift.

I was deeply immersed in my studies, tackling six different subjects each semester, requiring intensive theory work. This book initially felt like an added burden. However, given its high recommendations and online reviews, I decided to give it a chance.

From the moment I started reading, it immediately captured my attention and I became engrossed. I discovered a deep passion for self-improvement, self-mastery, and reaching my highest potential. Somehow, this book resonated with me profoundly.

I have always believed in the principle that everything is achievable by breaking it down into manageable steps, a method I used for studying and tackling challenging tasks. "All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision." Reading this sentence made me realize I could expand my mind and improve myself from a new perspective.

While still at university, my primary goal was achieving high grades and ranking among the top 10%. However, the book taught me not to merely live for the goal, but to structure my life so that the goal would naturally follow from the work I put in. This completely changed my mindset.

I devised an ideal scenario and set my goals accordingly, focusing on making them a reality. I started by breaking down each subject into manageable parts, dedicating specific time and space to study. For instance, I committed to studying for at least one uninterrupted hour each day, visualizing the place and time in advance. I even made it engaging by summarizing and explaining the material in simple terms before allowing myself a break.

Admittedly, I was a heavy smoker at the time, and using this structured approach was my way of motivating myself. Somehow, I applied the book's teachings in my own unique way:

- Make it obvious: I kept my study materials readily accessible.

- Make it attractive: Despite the challenge, I incorporated interactive materials and videos.

- Make it easy: By breaking down complex information into digestible pieces, I simplified the process.

- Make it satisfying: Though unconventional, rewarding myself with a cigarette after completing a task made me feel accomplished. Interestingly, I used similar techniques years later to quit smoking.

With dedication, I managed to complete my studies on time and achieve a top 10% ranking. While initially starting with just 30 minutes of daily study was tough, it became easier in subsequent semesters and years. Was it difficult? Certainly. Yet, making the process attractive, enjoyable, and satisfying minimized the struggle.

The compound effect of consistently showing up and striving to be just 1% better each day proved invaluable. This method isn't exclusive to academics—it applies to building habits or breaking bad ones. Discover your own system, personalize it, and stick with it. Have a goal in mind, but focus on establishing a system that, when consistently followed, naturally leads to achieving that goal.

In almost every successful endeavor in my life—finishing my studies, quitting smoking, excelling in fitness, martial arts, work, and personal development—the compound effect and striving for continuous improvement played a crucial role.

This formula truly works, and everyone possesses the capability to reach their full potential. This is just a brief illustration of the message; I could elaborate for days. However, the key takeaway is simple: show up every day and challenge yourself to be 1% better than you were yesterday.