Mastering the Small Things to Achieve the Big Things
What is the key difference between those who achieve the "big things" and those who don't?
As I considered this question, my first thought was that "big things" can be different things to different people.
Having recently watched the Olympics, I can imagine that for some, the "big thing" is qualifying and competing for the Olympic team; for others, it requires winning an Olympic medal, and for a few, the only "big thing" may be winning the gold medal.
Similarly, in business, a "big thing" may be a first job or becoming an entrepreneur for the first time. For others, it may be advancing step by step up the corporate ladder. Then there are those whose goal is the C-suite, including a few who will not consider it a "big thing" until they hold the top spot.
I am also quite confident others would define "big things" as thriving marriages, close-knit families, a healthy balance between work and life, kids successfully launched into the world, making a positive impact in the lives of others, or achieving a financially secure retirement.
It suffices to say that "big things" can be many different things, depending on the person's values, giftedness, goals or aspirations. Additionally, as we achieve certain milestones or change direction, our "big things" can evolve or multiply as the footprint of our lives expands with broader responsibilities, deeper relationships, more connections, or a growing desire to make more significant contributions.
So, as I sought to answer my initial question about the key difference between people who achieve the "big things" and those who don't, while also considering the broad spectrum of possible "big things," I asked myself what people might have in common that helps them achieve a varying array of "big things."
My answer was that our achievement of the "big things" often hinges on our mastery of the "small things."
Understanding the Small Things That Make the Big Things Possible
So, what "big things" would you like to achieve?
One common issue among some people I coach is an absence of a vision or a clear definition of the "big things" they want to achieve, personally or professionally.
However, I also frequently encounter those who know their "big things" but have little understanding of the "small things" they need to master to achieve the "big things."
I have learned that success often begins with an inward focus on mastering the "small things" within ourselves—our thinking, mindset, actions, habits and behaviors—
- Our thinking shapes our perceptions and guides the decisions that lead us to reach our goals.
- Our mindset enables us to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
- Our actions, when consistent and intentional, move us closer to achieving the milestones that lead to our larger goals.
- Our habits either propel us forward or hold us back from success.
- Our behavior, especially in challenging situations, reflects our values, often impacting not only ourselves but others and, ultimately, our long-term success.
As I took a moment to think, I realized that the everyday embrace of the essential "small things" actually makes our achievements possible.
Therefore, I believe mastery of the "small things" is the most essential "big thing."
Furthermore, this mastery requires an inner fortitude to produce the outer impact needed to achieve our "big things."
"Be faithful in the small things because it is in them that your strength lies." – Mother Teresa, Catholic nun and founder of the Missionaries of Charity
Inner Fortitude
"Inner fortitude" refers to a person's strength of character, resilience, and mental toughness. It's the internal force that empowers someone to overcome challenges, stay focused on their goals, and maintain a sense of purpose despite obstacles. Inner fortitude is rooted in determination, willpower, and emotional stability.
- Determination – The resilience to bounce back from failure or adversity without giving up.
- Willpower – The self-discipline to stay committed to goals and the effort required to achieve them.
- Emotional stability – The inner strength to maintain a positive, rational mindset during difficult times, such as coping with loss or managing stress.
From my observations over the years, those who consistently demonstrate inner fortitude often achieve their "big things," which, if more closely observed, would also display a mastery of the "small things."
"Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason." – Francis Bacon, English philosopher and statesman
However, mastering these internally focused "small things" is only part of the equation when striving to achieve the "big things."
Outer Impact
"Outer impact" is a person's influence or effect on the world around them, including their family, work and social relationships, the community, and broader sphere of influence. It's how the strength of our inner fortitude is empowered and expressed outwardly in actions that positively impact others. This "outer impact" can manifest through leadership, positive influence, or acts of service.
- Leadership - Inspiring and guiding those they lead to achieve success.
- Positive influence - Making a difference in someone's life through support, advice, or encouragement.
- Acts of service – Utilizing our giftedness – our unique combination of skills or abilities - to serve, whether in the family, work or community.
True success and fulfillment come from both mastering oneself internally and using that mastery to make a difference in the world around us.
Sometimes all it takes to make a difference in someone's life, in our families, in a company or as a leader on a team, is the awareness and application of simple words or deeds, as expressed by Tom Brady, seven-time Super Bowl winner, from the Harvard Business Review article "Tom Brady on the Art of Leading Teammates"
"I found that a simple high five or word of appreciation means so much. To be a great team, everyone needs to feel valued – and it's up to the leaders of the team to make sure that happens."
Final Thoughts
The Bible reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in small matters. Luke 16:10 says,
"Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones."
This verse encapsulates the principle that the "small things" we consistently do well prepare us for the more significant responsibilities that come our way and the opportunity to achieve the "big things" in life.
And even if you don't achieve every "big thing" you set out to accomplish, remember the wise words of Martin Luther King, Jr. –
"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."
Success isn't always about achieving the biggest goals but about handling the small steps along the way as you hone your internal fortitude, ultimately leading to a more significant outer impact.
By mastering the "small things," you position yourself to achieve the "big things" as you define them - and to make a meaningful impact, no matter where life takes you. As Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier as the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era, said -
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."