Hi Friend
I love my team. We get to have so much fun while doing loads of good. This week Monica and John got to speak for the same client at different times during the day. The event was held at our downtown ballpark. In the morning when John was there it was pouring down rain and lightning. In the afternoon when Monica was there it was scorching hot. Both scenarios created challenges!
They both prevailed with rave reviews. Also, Monica and I finished up the primary phase of our consulting project. I presented to the executive team our findings and recommendations. We are creating an 8 session training course for them, which should be uniquely dynamic and fun. It’s possible it will be a fresh spin on customer service. I’m looking forward to developing it!
I went to Kansas City for my birthday weekend. I ate great and explored the city. When I returned, my daughter and I had a carb-fueled dinner at Texas Roadhouse, which I haven’t been to in years. I love the aging process and celebrating it.
I’ve got a friend who says “can we just celebrate that?” when we’re talking about incremental alterations in a behavior, situation or decision. It’s like “I know it’s not a huge thing, but this little thing matters and it’s worth pausing for a second to acknowledge.” It’s such a fabulous practice. It often makes me laugh, because the thing we’re celebrating is sorta tiny.
It’s the little things that matter though. Practicing recognizing the small things fuels a gratitude habit.
You’re A Small Deal
Big deals get all the attention. We Americans like it bigger and better. Have you ever aspired to be a small deal? That phrase in itself makes me smile. It feels like it could be an insult. “You’re a small deal.” Yet we both know in life IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER!! Grand gestures are nice, but the consistent small efforts are what wins hearts, deepens trust and makes the biggest impact.
I learned a long time ago, how someone treats and cares for an inconsequential responsibility translates into how they’ll manage a more important one. Yet most of us are looking for the big opportunity and would like to skip the proving process. I’ve had to repeat so many dang seasons in my life, because I didn’t appreciate stewarding the immediate small responsibility well. Heck, I’ve mishandled large responsibilities as well, costing me big time.
The older I get, the more I’m interested in the seemingly lesser things. It’s oddly more satisfying to mindfully care for the inconsequential.
What’s Important?
The weight of value we assign to a task or person generates the level of intensity we offer. What if all the little things in our life, that we so casually dismiss and disregard are creating a much bigger impact on our soul or another’s? What if that thing you keep saying is “no big deal” is actually incredibly significant and your handling of it yields negative long-term consequences?
Instigating Ideas…
1. Find something to celebrate daily!
2. Acknowledge someone else doing something small.
3. Reevaluate the value you’re assigning to things, actions and people.
4. Appreciate a friend who sees the world differently than you.
I suspect most of our lives are made up of small deals. Just yesterday, we had Scrambled Friday at my house. It’s no big deal for the team to come over, share a meal, consider work and laugh consistently. Yet it also could be the biggest deal of my whole week. The layering of small acts over time, cement a depth of strength that provides some of the most satisfying joy.
Create Small Moments
We sent out a proposal for our One Big Day event this week. I doubt anyone would be interested in it if we pitched it as One Small Day. Yet, what if you and I in our daily life tried to create one small experience for those in our world? What if it was one intentional conversation or even just one encouraging comment? I dare you to do one small thing every day this week and see how big of an impact you make!
I hope you have the most amazing week filled with small things. I hope you notice the small efforts others are making as well. I hope you are a small deal. I will certainly celebrate you!