The domino effect is the ability for something small to produce big results. When you’re trying to achieve your dreams, consider how to apply this principle.

The Domino Effect Explained

The concept of the domino effect was first described by physicist Lorne Whitehead in 1983. He demonstrated that a single domino can knock down an object about one-and-a-half times its size.

While most people know about the domino’s potential to knock down things, few realize that the domino is a lot more powerful than we think. Its energy stores a significant amount of kinetic energy, which can be transferred to the next domino.

There are many ways to get dominoes to fall, but the three most common are gravity, inertia, and friction. Each one has an important role to play in getting them to tip over.

1. Gravity

The force of gravity can help a domino topple, as long as it isn’t too heavy or too slippery. A domino that’s made of plastic on a smooth surface will topple more easily than a domino made of wood on a rough surface, for example.

2. Inertia

The inertia of a domino is a tendency to resist motion when no outside force is pushing or pulling on it.

3. Friction

There’s a specific kind of friction that slows down falling dominoes, especially when they make contact with one another or with the ground. This slowing force can be caused by a variety of factors, but it’s especially strong on wooden dominoes that aren’t as polished as plastic ones.

4. Choosing Good Dominoes

When you’re deciding on new habits to develop, focus on choosing the right ones for your goals. They should be tasks that contribute to a bigger goal or are challenging and require a chunk of time and attention to complete.

5. Having a coach

For many people, the best way to develop a new habit is to have someone else set a good example and encourage you to keep at it. A coach can be anyone, from your best friend to your parents or a coach at your local gym.

They can give you advice, provide moral support, and offer encouragement when you’re struggling. They can also give you feedback when you’re doing well.

Using a coach isn’t easy, but it can be very effective. Whether it’s a coach for your personal goals or a professional who can help you improve your business, finding a coach who believes in you and is committed to helping you reach your dream can be the difference between success and failure.

6. When in Doubt: Break Things Down

The most successful people in the world are able to break their projects down into smaller chunks and tackle them one at a time. Doing so helps you avoid getting overwhelmed and allows you to focus on what’s most important to you, instead of feeling like you’re drowning in an ocean of work.

A great example of a person who mastered this approach is Domino’s CEO Jim Doyle. After he led the company through a difficult period, Domino’s was back on track and had built a reputation for fast pizza delivery. Having an impressive strategic leadership background, Doyle set the standard for future leaders to follow, not just at Domino’s but at businesses all over the world.