The Domino Effect
Dominoes are small rectangular blocks with groups of spots on one side, similar to dice. They are stacked on end in long lines and tipped over to create complex designs. The idea behind the game is that when you knock over one domino, it causes the next domino in line to tip over, and so on. This is what gives rise to the phrase, “the domino effect,” meaning that a single event can have much larger (and often more dramatic) consequences than expected. Dominoes have become so popular that they can be found in casinos, restaurants, schools and homes.
While there are many games you can play with dominoes, the most basic Western games involve drawing a hand of seven tiles and playing them against another player. The first player plays a domino, determined either by drawing for the lead or by selecting the domino with the highest pip count. The rest of the tiles are then shuffled and placed on-edge, so each player can see their own but not others’. The first player then draws the topmost tile and places it on the table, causing other players to draw more from their hands as they follow.
When Lily Hevesh was 9, she received a 28-piece domino set from her grandparents. She enjoyed setting them up in straight or curved lines, flicking the first domino and watching the entire chain fall. Her fascination with dominoes grew, and she began creating impressive domino artwork for movies, TV shows and events. Now 20, she has a YouTube channel called Hevesh5, where she shares videos of her amazing domino art projects.
In the early days of Domino’s, company founder Peter Monaghan was smart to stick close to the core values he established at his original Domino’s in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He listened to customers, and he put changes in place quickly. He relaxed the dress code, developed new leadership training programs and reorganized the way Domino’s recruited college students.
During the Great Recession, Domino’s was hit hard by competition from fast-casual competitors and saw its sales slump. To make matters worse, turnover among Domino’s employees was high. By sticking to its core values, the company turned things around. By paying attention to customer feedback, implementing innovative technology, and recruiting more college students to the company, Domino’s is now a leader in pizza delivery.
Like the domino effect, good habits can have a huge impact on your life. When you’re trying to make a habit stick, pick something that’s easy enough to do but difficult enough that you need to work for it. Then, once you’ve formed the habit, it can become automatic. Good examples of good habits include exercising regularly, eating healthier and getting more sleep. These are all habits that can help you feel your best and live your best life!