Setting pension contributions once and forgetting them is the default for most workers. Annual 1% increases (matching most pay rises) compound dramatically over decades. The pension fund 30 years later differs by hundreds of thousands depending on this single habit.
How to implement
Set diary reminder for annual review (post-pay-rise). Increase contribution percentage by 1%. Most workplace schemes adjust via single online form. Auto-escalation features in some pension schemes do this automatically.
Three percent contribution at 30 with 5% match becomes £800k at 65. Four percent becomes £1m. Five percent becomes £1.3m. Each annual 1% adds £100-300k to final pot.