Many of you may be familiar with the statement, “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” This phrase has become increasingly present in my life recently. There are a few interpretations for me individually of this phrase. I want to take a moment and outline them.
Just get started
There are a number of personal projects I’ve been working on in an attempt to expand my abilities. I have at times found myself pondering what the next step should be in an individual project. I spend time thinking of the grand designs I have outlined and then begin to get overwhelmed with the size of the next effort. This feeling causes me to procrastinate moving forward and ultimately I look back and haven’t made the progress I would have hoped. I have forgotten that the path to get to those grand designs starts with the first step. Whether I’m trying to outline a social media customer support model for work, or working to develop my son’s pitching mechanics, it all starts with the first step. When I just get started, on begin to put ideas on paper, grab the ball and glove, do the web search, whatever it may be I begin to make progress. I can then look back at the end of the day and am invigorated by my accomplishments and am fired up for the next day.
Deliberate practice
I recently completed a book titled, “Talent is Overrated”. The book is full of examples and experiments that have been done in an effort to compare the ‘genius factor’ to deliberate practice. The interesting thing to note is that in most cases, the ability to perform at a high level, regardless of the activity, seems to be predicated upon the hours of practice that have been performed. However, I’m not talking just about putting the hours in, but rather practicing in a very deliberate and focused manner. It should be strenuous on both the body and the mind. How does this apply to small and simple things? You have to put in the time, with a focused effort, to be able to do great things. Anyone we would classify as great, regardless of the area of expertise, has put in countless time of deliberate practice to become great. In business, this means I must put forth the deliberate practice honing my skills, and utilizing my abilities. I cannot let my skill set stagnate and become irrelevant. All of us at some point have found we are in our comfort zone, and not improving in our abilities. Small things, deliberate practice, brings forth great things.
Everyone can contribute
Lastly, too many people think to themselves “I can’t make a difference.” They are just wrong. Regardless of your sphere of influence, you can make a difference. Someone is always watching you, trying to learn from your actions. Maybe its a coworker, friend, boss, spouse, son, or daughter. We may never know the impact we have on others, but each of us does impact another. We need to realize that the greatness that resides in each of us is in our ability to lift others through small and simple things. It may seem trite, but a smile, a wave, a caring voice, a listening ear, or a small act of kindness, can all be an influence for great things. Just as the next great idea in technology can turn the world on it’s ear, a kind word to a struggling friend can mean the difference between life and death. Let us not forget.
In each of our personal journeys through this life small and simple things can add up to greatness. We must get started now, deliberately practicing for each of us can contribute. This applies to our professional, personal, and spiritual aspects of life.
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