It's The Little Things That Count
A good friend encouraged me to write this blog. It directly ties into episode 51 of the podcast aptly named; The Little Things Can Matter In A Big Way.
I've heard it said that in life, it's all about the little things. I take that to mean that it's the little things that matter most. And on the podcast, we use the terms "little things" and "details" interchangeably. What I find interesting is that the definition of "little things" often varies from person to person. For some, a "little thing" is a smile, saying thank you, or I love you. For others, it is remembering to fill up the BBQ tank with propane before game day or charging the battery on their laptop. What it comes down to is this; the meaning differs as circumstances change.
Most people strive to become their best. So it comes as no surprise that during our journey to achieve our lofty goals or create life experiences, it's the little things that get overlooked. Not to mention the pandemic, this country's politically charged climate, and the constant vying for your attention on social media; if we're not vigilant, we can quickly become distracted.
It is through these distractions that the details become neglected. When that happens, we lose out on an opportunity to think through our plan's finer points to succeed—thinking through the finer points enables us to get a good sense of the big picture and what it will take to accomplish what we set out to achieve. From these experiences, we have developed steps that allow us to give "the details" their due attention while making steady progress towards our bigger goals.
PLAN - your plan should be specific, realistic, and time-specific. It's like typing in an address into your GPS. Your plan tells you how to get there and when you'll arrive.
ANTICIPATE - "The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray." Often said when something happens other than what was expected. So take time to anticipate what could go wrong and build contingencies.
EXECUTION - the plan may change but never the goal. We may be required to pivot or alternate our route, but the destination is always the same. Be consistent and stay committed.
REVIEW - you will increase your chances for success if you build some time into your plan to review your progress. If needed, make adjustments. Once you realize what you have achieved, you'll feel good about yourself and have a sense of accomplishment.
BE GRATEFUL - this is where the little things count in a big way. First, it is essential to acknowledge that people feel and express gratitude in different ways. Nevertheless, being grateful promotes positive emotions. It helps us appreciate the opportunities for good experiences and builds strong relationships.
We practice these five steps and have experienced worthwhile results. We want to know what you've done to make the little things count. Leave a comment.
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