Being 1% Better: The Power of Consistent Progress

As business owners, we wear many hats—clinician, team leader, mentor, strategist, owner. The weight can be immense. But what if success wasn’t about grand gestures or dramatic change? What if excellence could be built one small improvement at a time?

1% Better Every Day

The concept is simple: rather than aiming for sweeping transformation, focus on small, consistent improvements. Over time, these tiny refinements compound into something extraordinary. In practice ownership, this could mean improving your capture rate by a few percentage points, tightening your frame inventory process or updating just one part of your website to enhance the patient experience. These aren’t flashy moves—but they build momentum.

Clinically, the 1% mindset keeps us engaged in lifelong learning. Maybe it’s staying current with the latest in myopia management, refining your exam room communication, delegating one task or getting slightly more efficient with chair time. Each day presents an opportunity to sharpen your skills and elevate patient care—without overhauling your entire clinical approach.

Small Leadership Wins, Big Impact

When it comes to managing a team, 1% better means developing your leadership in real, human ways. Take five extra minutes to recognize a team member’s contribution. I try to thank each team member every day (in person) for something I notice them doing that day. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It could be as simple as, “I noticed how patient you were with the new contact lens wearer—I really appreciate that!”

Another small win that can have massive implications? Clarify one piece of your office workflow that’s been a source of frustration. How will you know what this is? Ask! Our team has amazing ideas for improvement but are often not asked. Small changes can boost morale, foster accountability and create a culture where growth feels achievable—not overwhelming.

One Step at a Time

This mindset also helps combat burnout. Many practice owners feel stuck between high expectations and limited resources. There is never enough time or resources in a practice, so the thought of making changes can feel overwhelming. The 1% principle offers a more sustainable path. You don’t have to fix everything at once. You just have to keep moving forward, one intentional step at a time.

If you have ever run a marathon (or competed in an endurance event), this is the mindset that can help you make it through. Don’t let the full 26.2 miles intimidate you: break it down to one mile at a time, one aid station at a time or even one footstep at a time.

In a world that typically showcases big wins, the quiet, steady progress of being 1% better often goes unnoticed—but it builds resilience, profitability and purpose. And as independents, that’s our strength: we get to define success on our own terms—mile by mile, step by step.

So today, what’s your 1%?

Yours in success,
Jennifer L. Stewart, OD