What if I told you that there is a formula that can predict your success in nearly all endeavors of your life? It can determine how much you earn, your weight, and even the quality of your relationships!

This mathematical equation is one of the biggest insights on success I have ever had, and it took me about 20 years to understand it. But no worries, it’s not some complicated formula that only the science nerds of us can understand. In fact, it´s one of the simplest formulas you could ever think of.

The secret formula to success: 1 + 1 = 2

That´s it. One plus one equals two. You are probably wondering how in the world this has anything to do with your life. It’s simple, what you put into your life is what you get out. If you put in level 2 effort, you will always get level 2 results. Not 3, not 4, and not 5. Always 2. If you want level 10 results in your life, whether that´s success in business, your marriage, or your next marathon, that´s exactly the level of effort you have to put in. 9.5 level effort is not enough, you need 10.

“If you want extraordinary results you must put in extraordinary effort.” – Cory Booker

In life, you always get the results you deserve. If you want greatness, you have to live for greatness. Not just for the final result, but the painful and laborious process that will take you there. Success is not a giant one-time event, but rather occurs when a series of small steps are added together consistently, day after day. No matter whether it is running a marathon or becoming a better salesperson, success comes when you get just a little bit better every day.

Never lie to yourself

When you look at your goals right now, how much effort is really necessary to succeed? Are you putting in that effort every single day? If you are like most people, you will probably realize that the effort you put in on a daily basis is not sufficient for the size of your goals. When that happens, you are just lying to yourself. You say you want to be successful, but you don´t put in the work. That´s a bad place to be.

The truth is, you can wish for success all day long, but if you don´t put in the necessary effort, you don’t really want it. If you don´t eat, sleep, and breath your goals, you are just pretending. Wishing and hoping for things to work out is not enough, you must act. Dreaming about success is great, but always remember this: A goal without a plan is just a dream, and will always stay just that.

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

If your daily effort doesn’t match up with your goal, it is time to recommit again. It is natural to slack off from time to time, but anytime you find yourself procrastinating, you need to get yourself back on track. Get inspired by your goal again, envision it, and commit to making it reality. Determine the effort that is necessary to reach your goals, and then put it out there every single day until you succeed!

Are you putting in the necessary work or are you still dreaming about it? Leave your thoughts below!