Domino is a game of skill and precision. A single domino can start a cascade of movement that overtakes the entire board and creates an amazing display of gravity, friction and energy. But how do dominos fall so precisely and elegantly? The answer lies in the laws of physics.
When you first set up a line of dominoes, they stand upright and unmoving. A little nudge is all it takes, though, to send them tumbling down in a satisfying cascade. This is because the forces at work in dominoes are similar to those that cause nerve impulses to fire across axons. Dominoes can be used to illustrate a number of scientific principles, including:
A domino’s potential energy, which is the force holding it up, is equal to the mass of the entire pile plus its own weight. When you flip a domino over, it converts some of this energy into kinetic energy, the energy of motion. This energy travels from the first domino to the next, and then to the next, until it is used up or all of the dominoes have fallen.
To understand why a single domino can cause an entire chain reaction, consider a simple experiment: Place a large stack of dominoes on a table. Then, carefully slide one on top of the others so that they are all touching each other. Now, gently nudge the first domino with your finger. Watch what happens!
As the first domino falls, it creates a “pulse” that travels at a constant speed without losing energy, just like a nerve impulse in the body. As the pulse continues to travel down axons, it stops when it hits a neuron with an inhibitory molecule, which is the same thing that prevents the other dominoes from falling in a continuous sequence after the first is knocked over.
When you lose control of your emotions, you’ll find it difficult to maintain a positive attitude and will be more likely to react negatively to any challenges that come your way. This is why it’s important to learn how to master the art of positivity, so you can overcome even the most challenging situations.
The Domino Effect
The story of Domino’s is a remarkable tale of business turnaround. During the years immediately following the departure of long-time CEO Tom Monaghan, Domino’s suffered declining sales and stagnant growth. Its stock price had hit rock bottom at $8.76 per share.
Then, in 2009, a new marketing campaign began that would change the company’s fortunes. Led by Domino’s USA Operations President J. Patrick Doyle, the campaign emphasized a self-awareness and a willingness to admit the company’s mistakes and shortcomings. It also emphasized a commitment to listening to customers and acting on their feedback. The result has been nothing short of spectacular, as the company now boasts a staggeringly strong global presence and a healthy, robust stock price. This success is largely due to Domino’s focus on its core values, which include Championing Our Customers.