Mastering the Small Stuff: The Key to Success
Discipline is in the details and the details make all the difference. Our days are already full of mundane tasks like cleaning our home, cooking, getting gas and everything in between. Plus, having our regular daily jobs can feel overwhelming. Oftentimes just thinking of our goals feels exhausting.
This makes us feel like we have other things more important to think about. We want something more exciting to do.
Also, we are led by the dopamine and we rush into a new goal or project. We want the results now. We fail our preparation and fail in the long run.
The Human Tendency to Overlook the Basics:
In our pursuits, we often become consumed with grand aspirations, overlooking the importance of fundamental tasks. We yearn for challenges that appear more exciting and sophisticated, believing that these will define our success. However, the truth is that we are only prepared to tackle substantial problems successfully if we first address the small details. No matter how brilliant a strategy may be, it is destined to fail if it neglects the logistics and fundamentals.
The Devil and Salvation in the Details:
Admiral Hyman Rickover wisely noted, “The devil is in the details, but so is salvation.” This statement encapsulates the profound impact that attention to detail can have on the outcomes of our endeavors. Conversely, neglecting the small details can lead to failure. As the saying goes, “It is the loose ends with which men hang themselves.”
Strengthening Through Meticulousness:
Focusing on form and sweating the small stuff is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a path to becoming stronger and more resilient. Rushing into complex challenges without mastering the basics can leave us vulnerable to setbacks and failures. The philosopher Epictetus posed a question that resonates deeply: “Is anything made better by inattention?” The resounding answer is no. Whether you are a carpenter, an athlete, an inventor, or an infantry officer, greatness resides in the details. Achieving this greatness requires unwavering self-discipline, even when no one else seems to notice or care.
We want to really challenge ourselves, not waste time running through some checklists, stretching before a workout, reading the instructions instead of diving in. To reassure our success we should focus on the small details that lead to the big win.
What are the details that will make or break the results of your goals?
Is it your daily routine? Do you need to:
- Prepare your checklist the day before?
- Have your clothes ready for the next day?
- Say no to things you know won’t bring significant value or fulfillment?
- Do you need an accountability partner to keep reminding you to go to the gym, to wake you up for an exam or to remind you of a job interview?
Set yourself for success by asking yourself what do I need to eliminate and what do I need to automate or delegate up in order to succeed.
