So let’s look at a fascinating example of the compound effect in action…
First, the magic penny. You may have heard the story before but it’s truly remarkable and Darren describes it brilliantly.
Two choices: I’ll give you $3 million in cash today or, I’ll give you a penny and double it every day for 31 days. Which would you prefer?
Let’s say you take the $3 million now and your friend opts for the doubling penny.
If you take that $3 million today, you look pretty smart on Day 1 when your friend gets a penny. You also look pretty smart on Day 5 when your friend gets 16 cents. And on Day 10 when he gets $5.12. 20 days later and your friend is only up to $5,243. You’re feeling pretty good.
Then the magic of the compound effect kicks in. Fast forward to Day 31. Your friend gets $10,737,418.24 to your $3 million.
As Darren says, “Very few things are as amazingly impressive as the “magic” of compounding pennies. Amazingly, this “force” is equally powerful in every area of your life.”
So what type of things in our life would we consider to be part of this compound effect? Something that in the moment seems insignificant and so subtle that the change it brings in almost imperceptible?
If we’re talking about our physical health, it could be something as small as drinking water instead of soda, eating whole food instead of processed foods, going for a walk on your lunch break instead of browsing your phone.
If we’re talking about your spiritual health it could be reading scriptures every morning, or a daily practice of prayer and meditation. It could be taking the time to journal at the end of the day or listing gratitude.
If we’re talking about your emotional health it could be spending 5 minutes when your kids or spouse come home where you give them your undivided attention and ask about their day.
All of these practices are small and simple, and don’t seem like a big deal in the moment. The magic happens when they are practiced with consistency over time. What if you did that small thing every single day for 31 days? Would it reap a proverbial 10 million dollar benefit for you?
The thing about the compound effect, is that it is ALWAYS working. You could do something and start compounding the difference in the opposite direction. Small and simple things bring about something that is GREAT. It could be GREAT harm or GREAT strength.
The small thing of watching one late night episode on netflix that turns into several episodes and starts a habit of low sleep and late mornings. It could be the little check into social media that turns into thirty minutes or more and distracts us from our own family relationships. It could be a little food treat that turns into a food addiction. The compound effect is always working.
By Small And Simple Things Are Great Things Brought To Pass.
See it.
Say it.
Feel it.
Do it.
Become it.
You are a creator, now go Co Create something great.
