The Domino Effect
Dominoes are a game of chance in which players roll small, rectangular tiles (called dominoes) to match their opponent’s. The numbers on each tile range from 0 to 6 in most sets, and are usually written on both ends.
The physics of dominoes
When a domino is held upright, it stores potential energy, or stored energy based on its position in space. When a domino falls, however, much of that potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, or energy of motion.
This translates to a domino’s ability to knock down other dominoes as it lands. That’s what makes it such a fun game, and why it’s so satisfying to watch a line of dominoes fall one after the other.
The Domino Effect
When you make a change to your behavior, it can trigger a chain reaction that creates a whole new set of habits. For example, when you decrease your sedentary leisure time by taking up exercise, it can have a significant impact on your fitness and weight-loss goals.
Similarly, when you change your diet by eating less saturated fat or choosing healthier options, it can also have an effect on your overall nutrition. For example, a study in 2012 showed that when people decreased their daily fat intake, they also cut their calorie consumption by an average of 20 percent.
You can apply the Domino Effect to your life by setting aside time each day to focus on the things that matter most. Doing so is a great way to build momentum, and you’ll have more resources available to tackle bigger projects when it’s time to do them.
The key is to pick dominoes that are small enough to accomplish in a short period of time and that will make a big difference to your long-term goal. For example, if you’re working on a financial plan, picking good dominoes like outlining your plan, writing a budget, and implementing the plan will make it easier to follow through.
If you’re not sure what kind of dominoes to work with, it can be helpful to ask the people in your life or community for their suggestions. They’ll likely have a better idea of what you need to achieve your goal than any business expert.
For example, if your friend says you should start a blog, that’s a domino worth paying attention to, and you can get some valuable feedback in the process. Likewise, if your colleague suggests you take on a new project that requires a lot of work and focus, that’s also a domino to pay attention to.
Whether you’re trying to create a more successful company, launch a new product, or improve your relationship with your spouse, the Domino Effect is an invaluable tool to help you prioritize and move forward. It’s also a great way to prevent “flash in the pan” syndrome, which can be the death knell for many initiatives.
Dominos are an excellent example of this because when you’re planning your next business venture, it can be easy to get bogged down with a long list of tasks that seem overwhelming. But with the right mindset and a little patience, it’s possible to break up large projects into small dominoes that will have a big impact.