Our Methodology

The adage "You are what you repeatedly do" holds a profound truth: our behaviors shape our identity. Consider someone who runs every day; we naturally call them a runner. Similarly, if a person manages to clear their inbox daily, we see them as organized. Some may argue that such changes are superficial, that "you are who you are." However, this belief is fundamentally flawed. Identity is not static; it evolves with our actions.

Identity can be thought of as a rolling average of our behaviors over a period, whether that's the last three months or the past three years. People's self-perceptions can shift as they adopt new behaviors or discard old ones. For instance, James Altucher, a public figure known for his podcast, openly discussed his abstention from alcohol only to later mention enjoying wine at dinner. Such inconsistencies are not failures but reflections of human complexity and change.

To effectively change behaviors, start with "why," as suggested by Simon Sinek. Understanding the joy you seek or the pain you wish to avoid can set a strong foundation for transformation. Another powerful tool is Marshall Goldsmith's Daily Questions. This involves setting daily behavioral goals and reflecting each evening on whether you did your best to meet them. For example, asking, "Did I try my best to be patient with my kids today?" provides a simple yet profound metric for personal growth.

Change is rarely instantaneous. It requires persistence and patience. Daily Questions helps by making each day a step towards a larger goal. If you find yourself consistently scoring low on a particular behavior, it may be a sign to adjust your goals or methods. For instance, if your objective is to advance a data analytics project, and you struggle with waking up early, try breaking down the task into more manageable behaviors like dedicating 20 minutes each day to the project or discussing it with a peer to build accountability.

Repetition embeds these questions in your mind, altering your decision-making process from passive to intentional. For example, if you aim to stay hydrated, consistently reminding yourself to drink water can transform this intention into a habit. Eventually, actions once done consciously become automatic, solidifying your new identity.

The Slow Velocity method is built on the belief that consistent, intentional action leads to lasting change. By improving just 1% each day, the compound effect over time can be monumental. Change does not happen overnight—it is incremental, but the rewards are worth the consistent effort.