"Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements." – John C. Maxwell
We often believe that success requires monumental shifts, dramatic changes, or groundbreaking ideas. But what if the real secret is much smaller than that?
In an insightful moment during an orthodontist visit, a simple conversation about self-improvement, technology, and perception highlighted a powerful truth—progress is seldom a matter of massive leaps. It’s usually the result of tiny, consistent actions that, over time, make an extraordinary difference.
Photo Courtesy of Wix Media
This principle is what has been described as "The Slight Edge"—the small, often unnoticed advantages that separate the average from the exceptional.
Because in the end, big success is just a series of small, smart decisions repeated over time.
The Unexpected Lesson from an Orthodontist’s Chair
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." – Robert Collier
During my consultation, the orthodontist, Dr. Metz, made an offhand observation about why more people are investing in their smiles:
“With the cameras that are built into today’s telephones, people take a lot more pictures of themselves, assess their smiles, and make decisions to improve it.”
This small shift in behavior—taking more selfies—led to a massive change in the orthodontic industry. More people seeing their smiles every day meant:
Increased self-awareness
More people prioritizing dental care
A rise in orthodontic procedures worldwide
The lesson? A tiny change in behavior can ripple into an entire industry shift.
Now, ask yourself:
What small habits in your daily routine could be reshaped for better results?
What simple actions—done consistently—could transform your career, relationships, or confidence?
Big improvements don’t come from one-time efforts. They come from small, repeated choices.
The Power of the Slight Edge in Daily Life
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." – Aristotle
My experience at the orthodontist’s office sparked an important question:
“What small thing could I improve—right now—that would have a major impact later?”
This is the essence of The Slight Edge:
The focus is not on drastic change—it’s on micro-improvements
The focus is less on effort—it’s more on consistency
The focus is not on working harder—it’s on working smarter
Example: The 1% Rule. British cycling coach Sir Dave Brailsford transformed the UK’s cycling team using marginal gains—the idea that improving everything by just 1% leads to massive improvements over time.
Instead of focusing on speed, they optimized bike seats for comfort
They adjusted athlete sleep patterns for better recovery
They even painted truck interiors white to spot tiny bits of dust that could slow down the bikes
The result? They dominated the Olympics and Tour de France, winning more championships in a decade than in the past century.
That’s The Slight Edge in action.
Applying the Slight Edge to Your Own Life
"Do the little things right, and the big things will take care of themselves." – Dale Carnegie
So how do we apply this principle today?
Start by asking:
What is one small daily habit that could create massive benefits over time
Where can I improve by just 1%?
In Business? Send a daily networking email
In Health? Walk 10 more minutes each day
In Confidence? Practice speaking up in meetings
Like compounding interest, small efforts build on each other—and suddenly, you’ve transformed your reality.
Small Shifts, Big Impact
"Little by little, one travels far." – J.R.R. Tolkien
The lesson from my orthodontist visit involved taking steps to improve my teeth— but it was also a matter of taking steps to improve my life.
Success isn’t built in a day—it’s built daily
Tiny shifts, made consistently, create seismic improvements
The Slight Edge is everywhere—you just have to notice it and take action
Because at the end of the day, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary… is just that slight edge.
Commentaires