How Small Consistent Improvements Can Lead to Exponential Growth

One of the best examples of how small differences can lead to exponential results comes from the world of professional golf. In 2015, Phil Mickelson earned $51 million split between prize money on the tour and endorsements.

His per-round stroke average was 70.5.

By contrast, ever heard of Roger Sloan? Me either.  Sloan won $133,000 on the tour. I couldn't find anything he endorsed.

His per round stroke average was 72.5.

Mickelson bested Sloan by an average of just two strokes per round yet Mickelson earned 383 times more money. In other words, Mickelson was just 2.8 percent better than Sloan, but that small margin added up to an extra $50 million in Lefty’s pocket.

End of story!