A domino is a flat rectangular piece of wood, glass, or other material whose faces are divided into two equal parts. Its value is usually determined by its spots, or pips (also called numbers or points). The most common domino set contains 28 tiles; larger sets contain up to 55.
Dominoes can be arranged in multiple ways to form various games, and most traditional dominoes use the principle of matching one end to another that is either identical or a specified total. Some are numbered from zero to six, and some have blank ends that have no spots; the highest-valued domino is the double-six, which has six pips on each side.
In a positional game, each player in turn places a domino edge to edge against another. Each face of each tile is a member of the suit that its number represents, from the suit of threes and blanks (which are represented by the same number) to the suit of nines.
When a domino is knocked over, it falls toward Earth and sends its falling piece into the next domino in a cascade. This is an analogy to a chain reaction and has become a popular way to showcase cause and effect, especially in art and design.
The cascade effect of a domino is particularly appealing because it mimics natural processes. It also is a metaphor for certain societal behaviors and events that can cascade in the same manner, such as legal and social tests or even economic trends.
This effect can be very powerful. It can change your habits, whether they’re physical or psychological, and can make you believe new things about yourself. For example, if you’re used to staying sedentary all day and you start exercising regularly, you’ll begin noticing the difference in your physical appearance as well as your mental health.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you might notice that your diet changes when you decrease your calorie intake. You’ll eat less processed foods, cut back on your sugar intake and take in more fruits and vegetables.
It’s a simple, but powerful, way to make a difference in your life. And the best part? When you’re successful, you can share your story and help others achieve their goals as well.
In addition to creating a cascade of new habits, the Domino Effect can change your beliefs about yourself. For example, when Jennifer Dukes Lee started making her bed each day, she began believing that it was a good habit and that she needed to maintain this habit.
When she saw this positive change in her life, she became a true advocate for the Domino Effect and made it a point to spread the word to her friends and family. She also took her commitment to the concept to other areas of her home, and eventually made it a part of her daily routine.
The Domino Effect can be applied to a variety of situations, from a test you’re taking to an event that’s happening in your life. It’s also an effective tool to motivate yourself, since the more often you try a new behavior, the easier it becomes to make it a habit.