Let's dive into a story about a bike team that embraced the philosophy of becoming 1% better each day.

Once upon a time, there was a passionate cycling team called the "Riders of Progress." They were a group of amateur cyclists who shared a common goal: to improve their skills and performance on the bike. Inspired by the idea of continuous growth, they decided to adopt the mindset of becoming 1% better each day.

At the beginning of their journey, the team assessed their strengths and weaknesses, recognizing that they had room for improvement in various aspects of cycling, such as endurance, speed, technique, and teamwork. They set specific, measurable goals and committed to investing 14 minutes each day to work on these areas.

The team's training routine consisted of a mix of individual and group exercises. Each member focused on their specific areas for improvement during their solo training sessions. Some worked on increasing their stamina by gradually extending their distance, while others focused on refining their pedaling technique or developing explosive power during sprints.

In addition to their individual efforts, the team regularly gathered for group rides and training sessions. During these sessions, they practiced drafting techniques, coordinated their efforts, and worked on developing a strong sense of camaraderie. They supported and encouraged one another, always pushing each other to do better.

As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the team started to notice the impact of their 1% daily improvements. They could feel their stamina increasing, their pedaling becoming smoother, and their teamwork growing more seamless. The team's coach meticulously tracked their progress, providing feedback and guidance along the way.

After several months of consistent dedication, the Riders of Progress decided to participate in a local cycling race. They had transformed into a tightly knit unit, each member complementing the strengths of the others. On race day, they implemented the strategies they had practiced and demonstrated their improved skills.

Though they were competing against more experienced teams, the Riders of Progress surprised everyone with their remarkable performance. Their enhanced endurance allowed them to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race. Their refined technique minimized wasted energy and maximized efficiency. Above all, their strong teamwork enabled them to synchronize their efforts, providing each member with the necessary support and motivation to push their limits.
While they didn't win the race, the Riders of Progress were proud of their achievements. They had come a long way from their initial skill levels, and the 1% better philosophy had propelled them to new heights. They celebrated their progress, knowing that the journey of continuous improvement had only just begun.

The story of the Riders of Progress exemplifies the power of dedicating a small amount of time each day to self-improvement. By embracing the mindset of becoming 1% better, they transformed themselves into a formidable bike team, inspiring others with their growth and demonstrating that consistent effort and incremental progress can lead to remarkable achievements.

​What are you willing to do to be the “go-to” mortgage person in your community?  Would you be willing to learn and commit to the 1% better strategy?
 
The competition is not “out there;” you are your own competition.  If your primary focus is on bettering yourself rather than comparing yourself to others, you will already be far ahead of the others in your field of expertise.  By viewing yourself as your own competition, you embrace a mindset of continuous growth and development. You recognize that your progress is not measured by how you stack up against others but by how far you've come compared to your past self.
 
Each day, you aim to make incremental progress and become a little better than you were yesterday.  Ultimately, adopting the belief that "you are your own competition" allows you to focus on your own progress, development, and happiness. It frees you from the constraints of comparison and empowers you to create a fulfilling and meaningful life based on your own unique aspirations and values.
 
Spending just 14 minutes per day to improve yourself and become 1% better can have numerous benefits.  Here are some of the advantages:

1. Continuous Growth: Consistently investing time to improve yourself, even in small increments, can lead to significant long-term growth. By aiming to be 1% better each day, you accumulate progress over time and develop a habit of continuous improvement.
2. Incremental Achievements: Focusing on small, achievable goals helps you build momentum and maintain motivation. The 1% improvement approach allows you to set realistic targets and experience a sense of accomplishment as you reach them.
3. Skill Development: Devoting regular time to enhance your skills or learn something new can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life. Whether it's learning a new language, developing a talent, or acquiring new knowledge, 14 minutes a day adds up to considerable progress over weeks, months, and years.
4. Self-Confidence: As you witness your progress, your self-confidence and self-belief naturally grow. Knowing that you are consistently working on self-improvement can positively impact your mindset and overall well-being.
5. Continuous Learning: Spending time each day to learn and grow expands your knowledge and broadens your perspectives. It allows you to stay curious, adapt to new challenges, and be open to fresh ideas.
6. Personal Fulfillment: Taking deliberate steps to better yourself can lead to a greater sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. The journey of self-improvement, no matter how small, can bring a sense of purpose and meaning to your life.
7. Long-Term Success: Continuous self-improvement, even in small increments, can have a compounding effect over time. The accumulation of marginal gains can lead to significant advancements in various areas of your life, including career, relationships, health, and personal development.
8. Improved Productivity: By dedicating a specific amount of time each day to self-improvement, you become more focused and efficient in utilizing your time. This increased productivity can spill over into other aspects of your life and positively impact your overall performance.

 
The 1% better approach is not just about the time you spend actively improving yourself, but also about the mindset it cultivates.