In life, we often hear the phrase, “Focus on the things that matter”. However, it can be difficult to determine what is really important. One thing that is for sure, is that details matter, and doing the small things right can make a big difference.
Many times we focus on the big wins. The promotions, the sports game victories, or other big events in our lives.
These things are important and they are worth celebrating. But, none of these would be possible without the small things that lead up to them. You see, the small things mean the most and the details always matter.
Why Do The Small Things Matter?
Have you ever set out to do something hard and felt awesome when you accomplished it? You put in hours of work and it finally paid off.
The call to adventure, to challenge, is what keeps many of us getting out of bed in the morning. It is what brings life to all of us.
When you are living a life that is purposeful and has meaning, you are constantly challenging yourself to be better.
But, those moments of victory only happened because of the small things you did to get there.
Back in high school many people played sports. Some of the best memories you might’ve had growing up were playing sports with your friends.
You remember the big wins and the tragic losses, but the best moments were always held in the day to day practices.
It was the jokes you would play on each other, the hard work you put in together, and the memories you made along the way. The only way that you ended up winning the big game was because of the small things that led up to it.
Sports can be the ultimate teacher, but after high school most of us will never play a sport again. So, how do we carry this lesson on with us?
Keep the Importance of the Small Things
If you want to keep the importance of the small things in life, you have to keep these values top of mind. It is easy to slip away from the discipline they create, but we have to get back to focusing on the details.
We are no longer forced to focus on doing every rep in the weight room, touching the line on sprints, or making sure our teammates do the best work possible.
However, there are still many things we can do that emphasize the importance of the small things in life.
For example, how many people at the grocery store do you see not putting their shopping cart away after they unload their groceries? We see carts everywhere in the parking lot because people did not put them back.
While this might not seem like a big deal to some, when we allow our discipline to slip on such small things, it infiltrates into other areas of our life.
Have you ever walked by a piece of trash on the ground and not picked it up when there was a trash can only a few feet away? Have you ever neglected to hold a door for someone as they were walking through?
You see, all of us slip up from time to time, but these small things matter. Picking up trash when you see it matters. Holding the door for others matters.
These long-lost values are something we see fading in younger generations. However, it is up to everybody to set the example for others.
How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything
While doing the small acts may not seem like a lot, how you do anything is how you do everything. The act itself is not that important, but the principle is.
You see, doing the right thing is always the right thing. Challenging yourself to constantly go the extra mile and to do something good for others is the key to not only happiness, but to you accomplishing what you want in life.
Details matter. The small things matter. And often times, they matter the most.
Treating people with respect, helping others out when they are in need, and focusing on the small things can make a massive difference in your life.
When we focus on the small things it bleeds into everything else we do. If you have the discipline to pick up trash when you walk by, you set a precedent for yourself and others.
The next time you are working on a project you will pay attention to the details. You will be the person people think about when they need something done, because they know if you can do the smallest task correctly, then you can take on larger things.
Time For Action
What is a small action you can take today that will make a big difference? Is it giving up your seat for an elderly person? Putting back your shopping cart or picking up a piece of trash as you walk by?
Make a commitment to yourself that you will do the right thing, always. The smallest straying away from these disciplines leaves the door open for mistakes.
When we let the little things slip, the big things become much more difficult.
Where can you add in a little bit of discipline that will make a big difference? Is it cleaning up your house? Making your bed? Maybe taking the time to organize your tools?
Whatever you do – make sure you focus on the small things.
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