“A man’s accomplishments in life are the cumulative effect of his attention to detail.” John Foster Dulles
The cumulative effect. Accumulation derives from the Latin work “pile up.” The cumulative effect is essentially that, the accumulation of an effect caused by repeated action, behaviors, or thoughts that become more pronounced as time progresses.
Think of it as the snowball effect. As the small ball begins to roll down the hill it expands in size at an ever increasing rate until it becomes a large mass of accumulated snow. Everything in life that we repeatedly do can have this effect with results both favorable in unfavorable outcomes.
Every time a cigarette is inhaled, while that first one may not cause life threatening disease or a shallowness of breath, the affects as a result of repeated action will become more and more noticeable as time passes. Compound interest works in a similar way. Put one dollar in the bank today and compounded annually at ten percent interest and over a lifetime that one dollar will turn into millions.
Compound interest works in a similar way. Put one dollar in the bank today and compounded annually at ten percent interest and over a lifetime and that one dollar will turn into millions.
The 10,000-hour rule, that’s states it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in any particular field or skill, also has a cumulative effect. The progression to mastery may at first seem slow but as time passes mastery increases at a profound rate. Impatience or wishing for immediate success stop many of us achieving what we desire. Sometimes right before we strike exponential growth.
A miner who was convinced there was a rich deposit of gold in a specific location began to dig. He dug and dug, and dug some more until he couldn’t bear to dig anymore. He gave up and abandoned his mine yet still went on dreaming for that he could never find.
Another man stumbled upon this same site and with an axe in hand thought he’d give it a strike. In only a few picks you wouldn’t believe the sight. A depositary of gold that allowed him to retire for life.
Persevere and persist. Act consistently and effectively. And eventually what we dream of and what you desire will cumulate into reality. The accumulation of all that we do in the process of life that leads us to our treasure.
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.
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