I've never admitted it in public, but I suppose today is as good a day as any: I've suffered from depression for the last 15 years of my life. In my teens, it was the type of depression that leaves you bedridden, teary eyed, and defeated. In my adulthood, my depression was characterized by fatigue, agitation, and a general indifference towards life. Today, I am happy to say that I have been doing well for a long time now.

When bouts of depression were setting in, I knew I wasn't thinking clearly. Life seemed unmanageable, but I was functioning just fine a few days ago. What was simple before now seemed insurmountable. So, I needed a rule to follow when I was feeling depressed, and it had to be simple enough that my mind couldn't trick me out of following it.

This rule had to be easy enough that I could:

1) Follow it without thinking

2) Manage to follow it even when I was at my worst

So, I came up with the 1% Rule.

Make Life 1% Better

The rule of making life 1% better is a useful tool. It is an invitation to begin solving the problems that plague you, without getting snarled up in excuses and hangups. I used to picture progress as a monumental, life-changing, and effort-laden undertaking. In reality, progress is often slow, yet cumulative. 1% is enough to get you going, and it's still something to be proud of.

If I was in a really dark place, 1% might mean just getting out of bed. Once I had accomplished that, I would wash a single dish from the monsterous pile in my sink. Then I would simply repeat the 1% rule until that pile of dishes was gone. Then I'd shower, get dressed, and promise myself to at least walk to work, even if I promptly turned around and went home. More often than not, I'd stay for the whole workday, because I had generated a lot of momentum by following the 1% rule.

You don't have to be depressed to have this rule work for you, although it is a great tool for people in distress. Clear and realistic thinking is beneficial to anyone that is facing a mental block. If you have a task that you know you can accomplish, but you currently aren't approaching the problem, just start with 1%.

What Would 1% Look Like For You Today?

I am certain that there is a problem plaguing you. There is a conversation that you need to have, or a book that needs to be written, or a garage that needed to be cleared out three years ago. What is the smallest, most manageable, and realistic step that you could take to begin tackling this problem? Pick a problem, identify the first step, and promise yourself that you'll move 1% closer towards solving it.

Have you had your own battles with depression? Or do you find it hard to generate progress? I'd love to hear if you find this rule helpful, and if it is something that you might try. Leave me a comment below, and we can discuss your ideas on this topic.

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