WHEN A LITTLE BECOMES A LOT
WHEN A LITTLE BECOMES A LOT
Far too often, people - self included - give up doing the small things because they do not seem to matter.
Far too often, people - self-included - give up doing the small things because they do not seem to matter. That decision, however, is short-sighted but is rooted in our "results now" culture. Whenever we start or attempt anything, we always need to keep a long-term mindset. This blog shares an example of when a little becomes a lot AND I'll be celebrating a little bit of personal success too! Keep on reading...
In looking at the image above, you see the name of this "notebook" and pay particular attention to the title - 52 Quotes a Year! A friend of mine, knowing that I wanted to write a book, put a challenge on the table. He said that a little bit of writing every day would matter. I shrugged that off because all I could see was the mountain ahead of me. Instead of seeing the big mountain, I should have focused on the small steps along the path that would add up over time. The truth of the matter is this - a little becomes a lot when it is compounded over time. Time is the factor that matters in this question BUT we tend to only look at the effort and results.
So, what happened? I made a choice to try and write one, original leadership quote (as much as any quote can be truly original) each week based on what happened, whether it was good, bad, or ugly. That goal required an intentional use of time to reflect, learn, and journal. I purchased a journal and then set aside at least 10 minutes each night to the journal. If you think I have produced a journal entry every day since June 27, 2018, well, you're wrong. I've missed a few days but rarely consecutive days missed. The image above was the first quote that I produced and there's a story behind that quote - just not going to share it here.
Does one quote a week really matter? YES! Take a look below and notice the number. In not quite 3 years, I hit the milestone of 200 original statements this week!! When I saw that figure, I was amazed because the learning has stacked up over time. If you intentionally focus on personal development, then you will be surprised how easily that vibrant growth will come.
Making the daily time and sticking with it over a prolonged period will produce amazing results that you cannot forecast. What do I mean? During this nearly 3 year timeframe, I authored a leadership book, co-wrote an educational book, and published an article in an international digest. Had this deliberate process of reflection and personal learning not started, then I do not believe any of the written work would have occurred.
My process was to create an Evernote account and download the app. That way, I always had access to the full list and could add them as learning occurs anytime. If I was stuck standing in line at the grocery store, those few moments could be used to reflect on the day and lead to a neat, little quote. Even if a statement is similar to another one, I keep both b/c restatement of a similar concept in a different manner could be "the one" that makes it "stick" for someone. I even have a few close friends that I'd send a quote in order to gain their feedback. Your colleagues can help shape these through their experience and can also debate whether what you said holds true.
Do not think you have to hold onto everything and never share. If you have learned, then you have the opportunity to add value to other people. In my coaching sessions, I always leave them with at least 1 nugget of wisdom and often turn to these simple quotes to fit that bill.
A little becomes a lot when you choose intentionality and then continue indefinitely!
Hmm, that just might become quote number 201...