The saying “slow and steady wins the race” perfectly represents Darren Hardy’s lifestyle, which was instilled in him by his father. As an ex-football coach, he believed that small steps would produce extraordinary results if taken constantly and persistently.

Hardy Sr. made his son wake up at 6 a.m. and have draining workouts in a cold, dimly lit garage with a sign, “No pain, no gain.” Doing chores and achieving academic success were required, too. Falling short in any of these things meant doubled efforts and allowed no excuses. Accustomed to it from an early age, Darren has experienced the effectiveness of the Compound Effect.

Loyal to his father’s philosophy, 18-year-old Hardy earned his first six-figure income. Two years later, he managed to buy a house all by himself, and at 27, Darren became a millionaire. Hardy’s achievements demonstrate that even small changes one introduces to everyday life can bring incredible results in the long run. This is the magic of the Compound Effect, and it works for numerous spheres, including money management, health, and career.

Just compare a generous lump sum of $3 million and a penny that doubles in value each day for 31 days. In the beginning, a penny’s worth appears not even worth considering. But its final price after doubling is $10 million. Try using the Compound Effect in real life, and you will see how great your results can be if you start with a minimum of deliberate effort.

Here is a practical example. Three friends, Larry, Scott, and Brad, have different approaches to life. Larry incorporates no changes into his routine. Scott develops little positive habits like reading and eating 125 calories less daily. The last friend succumbs to seemingly insignificant negative habits, namely, eating more and watching TV. While Larry experiences no changes, Brad faces weight gain and personal problems. Only Scott sees the positive changes, as his consistency results in enhanced health and a more successful career.

To experience the advantages of the Compound Effect, write down the excuses that limit you, like believing you lack some knowledge or experience. Then, commit to working hard to become better not only than your competitors but also than your old self. Next, list six minor actions you can take daily to achieve what you want. All in all, avoid being like Brad. Jot down little things that drag you down and stop succumbing to them.