In a recent episode of The Breakfast Club—one of the most widely recognized podcast platforms—AEW superstar and professional wrestler Swerve Strickland shared a piece of wisdom that resonated deeply with me. He said, “1% a day is 365% a year. So just move 1% a day. In a year, you're going to triple your investment, but you've got to just move 1 bit.” As someone who values steady progress over perfection, this message hit home, and I believe it’s one we all can apply to our own journeys.
It’s worth noting that Swerve didn’t come up with this philosophy on his own. He credits his trainer for instilling the idea of making small, daily improvements. This mindset was passed down to him early in his career, and it has clearly shaped the way he approaches not only wrestling but life in general. The 1% rule isn’t just a motivational slogan; it’s a lesson from someone who’s been there before, guiding Swerve to focus on daily progress rather than immediate perfection. By applying what his trainer taught him, Swerve has been able to grow into one of the most dynamic performers in the wrestling industry today.
Although I’m not the biggest fan of the personalities that run The Breakfast Club, I have to acknowledge the magnitude of a professional wrestler like Swerve Strickland being featured there. It’s a big deal for wrestling fans and a testament to how far the sport has come. Professional wrestling has grown beyond the confines of its traditional promotions, giving athletes the freedom to control their destinies and carve their own paths, just as Swerve has done with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
What Swerve’s Quote Really Means
Swerve’s quote carries a simple yet profound message: massive change doesn’t happen all at once. It’s the product of daily, incremental steps. In an age where we’re bombarded with stories of overnight success and instant gratification, Swerve’s philosophy reminds us of the importance of consistency and patience.
The “1% a day” idea is powerful because it focuses on attainable progress. By moving forward bit by bit, we allow ourselves to improve without the overwhelming pressure of immediate success. It’s not about perfecting everything in a day but about showing up and making a small effort every day.
When you break it down, improving by 1% a day may seem insignificant at first, but over time, the compounding effect becomes undeniable. If you improve 1% every day for a year, you've essentially tripled your progress—an astonishing 365% increase. This isn't just about numbers; it’s about the transformation that comes with consistent growth.
Wrestling and the Importance of CTRL
Swerve’s quote also speaks to a broader reality within the world of professional wrestling: control. In a sport often known for its backstage politics and contractual restrictions, it’s inspiring to see wrestlers taking control of their careers. AEW has been a massive disruptor in the industry by giving wrestlers like Swerve Strickland the freedom to pursue their own goals, and in many ways, that’s what his quote is about.
The ability to control your fate, to make small, steady moves toward your own vision, is an incredibly empowering concept. It’s a concept that resonates far beyond the wrestling ring. In life, we often face systems, institutions, and structures that seem insurmountable, but Swerve’s approach teaches us that by making small changes each day, we can chip away at those barriers and achieve something much greater over time.
How It Relates to My Journey
For me personally, the idea of “1% a day” fits perfectly into my own philosophy of self-improvement. Like Swerve, I don’t believe in striving for perfection, at least not all at once. Perfection is elusive and often paralyzing. Instead, my focus is on making small improvements, learning something new, and moving forward every day. Whether it’s in business, personal development, or relationships, I’ve found that embracing incremental growth is the key to long-term success.
In my current journey, this mindset has been particularly valuable. I’ve been working on building something special—whether it’s through branding, releasing new merch, or refining the message behind TOP CTRL. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect before launching, but I’ve realized that real progress comes from action, even if it’s not flawless from the start.
Every day I take small steps toward my goals, whether it’s tweaking a design, writing a new blog, or exploring fresh marketing strategies. Each day that I invest 1% into what I’m building, I know I’m getting closer to something impactful. And just like Swerve says, it’s not about leaping into success overnight; it’s about continually pushing forward bit by bit.
The Bigger Picture: Appreciating Small Wins
Swerve Strickland’s quote is a reminder to all of us that we don’t have to take huge leaps to succeed. Whether you're in the wrestling industry, building a business, or simply trying to improve your life, focusing on small, daily wins can make all the difference.
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-competitive world, we’re constantly pressured to do more, to achieve more, and to be more. But Swerve’s wisdom pulls us back to something more sustainable and real. It’s about finding joy in the process, appreciating the small wins, and trusting that these little victories will lead to something bigger in time.
If you think about it, life is made up of these small moments, these 1% changes. No one wakes up one day with everything perfectly aligned, but we can look back over time and realize that each tiny step was leading us to where we’re meant to be. It’s the cumulative effect that counts.
Why Wrestling—and Life—Are Thriving Right Now
It’s an exciting time for wrestling. With promotions like AEW offering wrestlers creative control and flexibility, athletes like Swerve Strickland are not just surviving, but thriving. And as wrestling continues to evolve, so too does the idea of what it means to control your career. It’s about making deliberate, thoughtful moves and refusing to let external forces dictate your path.
This idea mirrors what many of us are experiencing in our own lives. We’re learning that the traditional routes to success—whether in sports, business, or personal growth—aren’t the only paths available. More than ever, people are embracing the concept of incremental progress, the 1% gains that, over time, yield massive returns.
Swerve’s words don’t just apply to wrestling or athletes. They apply to all of us. Whether you’re building a brand, honing your craft, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, the key is to stay committed to the process. Take control, move 1% forward each day, and trust that over time, those small changes will lead to something extraordinary.
Conclusion: The Journey is the Reward
At the end of the day, the message behind Swerve Strickland’s quote is simple: keep moving. Don’t be discouraged by how far you have to go or by the pressure to be perfect. Instead, focus on what you can do today.
Because when you look back a year from now, you’ll be amazed at how far 1% a day can take you. Whether in wrestling, business, or life, it’s the small, consistent efforts that shape the big wins. So, keep moving. Keep growing. Keep making that 1% count.
~ Take CTRL or Be CTRLD ~