The Little Things
Have you ever heard the saying, “The devil is in the details?” It is one of my favorite sayings, especially in business. Yet it took me years to truly understand what it meant. Early on in my career, I learned the art of good enough. I knew that if I stressed over every little detail, I would never complete any task or event. No one knew what things were supposed to look like, as long as the general idea, theme, and feeling of the project were communicated everyone was happy and the project was a success.
A few years later, as I transitioned into leadership roles, I learned the details are important. Rushing, not making sure T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted was the difference in success or failure. Yet how do you practice both the art of good enough, which to be honest is essential, and ensure the details are in place?
Finding a balance is difficult, but once achieved is liberating. The secret lies in defining what details are important and which are not. For example, when you are hosting a gala, and the linen service leaves off white table clothes instead of white, it really doesn’t matter. Think about it, the lights will be dim, people will be eating, toasting, and networking, will they really be looking at the table clothes thinking, “Oh my gosh, these aren’t white?” No one will trust me. Yet reviewing the printed materials 15 times to ensure everything is aligned correctly, spelled right, and the information is 110% correct is vitally important. These are the details that could absolutely break you.
Once you understand the difference and can strike a balance, life will be easier, moments less stressful, and you can move to focusing on the little things. You see so many people in life think it is the big things that leave the legacy, the endowments, the contributions, the HUGE moments. Don’t get me wrong, these are important moments and those affected by the generosity you choose to share will be eternally grateful. But the true legacy, the true test of your character is in the way you do the little things in life, these moments comprise a man.
When you are a voice for the voiceless, when you help someone who could never pay you back, when you are kind to an animal, these are the moments the universe notes, these are the moments which define you. Smiling at a person in line next to you, holding a door open, helping a young mother with a crying baby, these are the moments to focus on. Investing in your staff, investing in your family these are the investments to worry about, focus on.
Giving hope, sharing what you have, even when you don’t have a lot, are the little things that really count. Paying extra attention to the extra duties at work, even the ones which seem below you, these are the little things which speak volumes about your character, the things which set you apart from others. As you move through your days, look for moments to invest, moments to give, and ways to focus on the little things.
Sincerely,
Sara
