The Community Commitment
April 10, 2007 Article

Sweating the Small Stuff
By: Keith O'Brien

31 year old Zach Johnson enjoyed the fit of his first green jacket on Sunday after winning the Masters with an impressive final round of 69. He finished the week at 1 over par, for a total of 289 strokes. 16 other players, including Tiger Woods, were within 8 shots of the leader. Think about that. For those of you that play golf, that is only 1 stroke per each nine holes of play over the four days. One little 4 foot putt, one putt that lipped out, one approach shot that missed the right tier on the green and rolled back off, just one time where your mind wandered a little…

In personal and professional development it’s often preached to get the big stuff handled first. I agree. Aligning what you are doing in your life around your personal vision is a great strategy, but it’s the details…the small stuff…that often makes the difference between good and great, between barely getting by and being able to plan effectively for your retirement, between being tied for 17th and taking home the victory and forever having your place in history.

So, in service to four of the main areas of our lives: spouses/partners, career, health and self-worth…here’s some small stuff that will make a BIG difference.

Spouse/Partner

Big Stuff - Love them

Small Stuff - Periodically write notes of admiration for no reason. Cook dinner if you usually don’t. Take the kids to the park on a Saturday and let them sleep in. Surprise them and get home early or go to work late just to ‘hang out.’ LISTEN. Be creative with a birthday or holiday gift and make/create something that would really make their heart sing.

Career

Big Stuff – Find one you really like

Small Stuff – send handwritten or creative thank you notes to your clients …all of them. Call a handful of your clients each month simply to thank them for their business. Read at least one book on your industry a month. Invest both time and money in your professional and personal development.

Health

Big Stuff – Decide you actually want to be healthy

Small Stuff – Cut out fast food regardless of how busy you are. Learn yoga and begin to practice it. Shift as much of your diet to organic as you can. Learn what foods do what to you body and commit to eating more of the foods that work for you. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink tons of water.

Self-Worth

Big Stuff – Love yourself no matter what

Small Stuff – Schedule time for yourself and don’t change your plans. Meditate more often and for longer periods. Volunteer some of your time to make a difference in someone else’s life. Stand up for yourself. Watch less TV. Choose happiness.

These lists could go on and on. It’s truly the details that make the difference. Think about the last time you experienced amazing customer service. Wasn’t it their attention to detail that made the difference? Usually it is the things that cause you to say, “Wow, that was incredibly thoughtful,” that leave such an incredible impression.

Do your customers say that about you? Does your spouse? Do your kids? Would you say that about you?

If yes – THANK YOU. If no, nothing is permanent except death, so recommit and get to work. It’s the details that make the difference.

Namaste’
-Keith-