Dominoes are a set of small rectangular game pieces used in many different games. The pieces are numbered from one to six, and each has an arrangement of spots–called “pips”–on each end. These pips are arranged like those on a die.
The pips on the ends of dominoes can be blank, or identically patterned. This pattern is determined by the way that each tile is positioned on the board.
There are many ways to play a game of dominoes, and each one has its own rules and variations. For example, the traditional British game of 5s-and-3s has players try to attach a domino to an end tile so that its sum is divisible by five or three.
Another popular variation of the game, known as domino toppling, involves stacking a series of dominoes in a line. Once a domino is tipped, it causes the next domino in the line to tip and so on until all the dominoes have fallen.
These stacking games can be played by a number of people at once, and they’re also great for creating interesting designs. Some of these designs are so interesting that they’re used to decorate public buildings!
Some children prefer to use dominoes as toys that they can stack on end in long lines. These designs can be very complex and often look impressive when the dominoes are tipped over.
Eventually, however, these lines of dominoes will topple over if they’re not spaced properly. This is called the “domino effect” and it’s a fascinating demonstration of a chain reaction.
In 1983, a professor of physics named Lorne Whitehead published an article in the American Journal of Physics that showcased the domino effect. He illustrated that one domino could knock down another that was 50% larger than itself.
The domino effect isn’t just a fun way to visualize the chain reaction of a game; it can help us understand how habits form and how to build them. The key is to keep a big picture in mind and focus on progress, not results.
For example, if we’re trying to improve our fitness, it’s easier to get started when we start by focusing on small wins. We can then build up to bigger victories, and we’ll have a much more satisfying sense of accomplishment when we reach the end of the line!
Similarly, if we’re trying to develop new habits, it’s easier to build up momentum when we focus on small wins. We can then build up the confidence to take on bigger challenges, and we’ll have a much easier time breaking through our plateaus when we have enough success.
This concept is a good reminder that even small steps in the right direction can make a big difference!
When it comes to habit formation, the best way to achieve long-term success is to take a big-picture approach and be consistent. That means forming small, achievable goals that you can reach over the course of several weeks or months.