In our overcommitted, “too busy to stop and smell the flowers” life, it’s easy to overlook the small things. Yet, small things ARE a big deal.
Last week I was in Fort Worth Texas at a Conference. On Tuesday night I attended an amateur, very professionally done, version of the play “The Sound of Music.” Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely.
One of my favorite songs from the play is: "My favorite Things." I’m sure most of you remember the lyrics:
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things . . .
While listening and watching the scene, it reminded me anew of the importance of small things. Everything listed in the song is something small. But noticing the small things makes a big difference.
Small things can make a big difference in your attitude
Like the song implies, noticing small positive things will influence your mood. You will feel more positive, and less stressed if you take a few seconds to notice:
- a warm good-bye hug from the one you love
- a beautiful flower on your way to work
- a great smile on a co-worker's face
- the sun braking through the clouds
- the smell of freshly brewed coffee
(Just keep adding to the list)
Small things can make a big difference in your business
Make a point to ask and think:
What is the smallest thing that can make the biggest difference in my business today?
It can be positive or negative. Some possible examples:
- It’s winter. Bring bright flowers and place them in highly visible places. You may be surprised at the impact this small action can have in productivity.
- Your front desk people have a negative attitude on the phone and face-to-face. Any idea how much is this costing you in lost business?
- You need to change a business procedure. Focus on the smallest new behavior that can cause your people the biggest sense of accomplishment toward learning the new procedure. See how it facilitates the change.
- Send several thank you emails first thing in the morning. See how it affects you and those you send it to.
- Try for a week thinking and acting every day on the smallest thing that can make the biggest difference in the business. I would love to hear what happens!
Small things make the biggest difference in the process of change
Change, even unexpected change, does not happen in a big leap. It takes many intentional small steps. Understanding and taking the time to identify which are the smallest behaviors that can make the biggest difference for the needed change is key. It’s what makes the difference between change efforts that succeed and those that fail.
What small change can you do that will make the biggest difference in your success?
- Read a book?
- Notice 5 positive things each day?
- Give 5 specific heartfelt compliments each day?
- Undivided focusing for 30 minutes on that project you have been procrastinating on?
- Sharing your real feelings with your spouse?
- Listening instead of screaming at your teenager?
- Asking three clarifying questions before interrupting with your opinion?
- Sleeping 30 extra minutes?
You could also consider joining me for the first small e-course I will hold in 2012: REWIRE your brain for success. Learn how the power of concentrated focus on the smallest specific change you can do will make the biggest difference in your life and your success.
Share your thoughts
What is something small YOU do that makes a big difference in your work? Please, share with us!If you found this information useful, imagine how much more successful you will be, working with me. To find out more about the REWIRE program, simply click here.
Photo by: Logos Noesis