The Power of the Straw (Winning with Cumulative Effect)

Where I live, we are entering the twelfth month of the pandemic. Many of us are worn and on the edge every day. Yesterday, my wife broke down. At first glance, it may seem that she broke down over extremely small things, but the truth is the small things were only the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back.” The cumulative effect of uncertainty, sickness, trying to keep up, look for something we can control, and finding so much seems to be out of control, two “small” setbacks were too much.

Maybe you have been there. Maybe you are there.

First, let me say, you are not crazy. All around you other people also suffer under the pressure of the cumulative effect of weight being added a little at a time. The things that seem to break us seem so small, but it is the weight and not the straw.

But … What if you could use this same power to breakthrough?

Here are some keys to using cumulative effect to your advantage:

1. Be Patient

For years, wise investors have taught us the power of compound interest. For the patient, small investments left alone to work become huge over time. Because the cumulative effect of doubling every 7 years or so is powerful.

This past year, I began a time of meditation in a new way, that I maintained throughout the year. At the end of the year when I looked back on how well I kept my promise to myself, I had only missed 14 days, and those in the first five months of the year. Today this time continues to be a sustaining habit for peace in my life.

If you want permanent results that transform previous poor life choices, you will need to give time to let the power of cumulative effect break those choices and build new ones.

2. Start Small

In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear gives some ideas on how to use small investments in our lives to build lasting and long-term change over time. These tiny habits can change our lives for good and give us strength to become who we aspire to be.

Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much at once. This is why dieting doesn’t usually work for long-term weight loss, and New Year’s resolutions are already waning. Instead, change your diet over time. Roast seasoned green beans instead of having potato chips. Add one more glass of water per day. Then after those habits take hold, add another.

It will take longer to lose the weight, but when you have it will be a lifestyle change that makes it work, not a fad, and you will be able to maintain the new life, because you have changed.

3. Celebrate 80%

I have four daughters who are very smart. They also believe they are capable of great things. Still, sometimes I worry they expect too much of themselves. They get upset by grades below 100%.

My older two have started to relax some, and I have always encouraged them that if they are doing the work and giving their best to any subject, I am not concerned about a bad grade. Because they are capable, this usually means they will get A’s with the occasional B.

Our world seems to push for perfection, and lay guilt on those who miss the mark. Social media has not helped as we are inundated with the “success” we see all around us.

If you are going to use the power of cumulative effect for breakthrough, you cannot let the misses bother you so much. Imagine a life in which you get better by 80% every year. The cumulative effect of your life will be world changing.

This past year has been hard, but if you choose to, you can use the cumulative effect as a superpower instead of breaking under its weight.

Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash