“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
We in America like things big. Our food is in big portions, the bigger the drink the better and our big waistlines show it. We like our houses, cars and toys big as well. If we get something small or even what would be called average size we think we are being cheated. And this passion for the big is not just restricted to our lifestyle; we also look for big businesses, big churches and big schools. If these organizations are small we somehow think they are lacking in something. We could not be more wrong.
SMALL CAN BE GREAT
I am not saying that excellence has nothing to do with size, it does but the size is small. Success-Minded People can be lead astray in thinking that they must do big things in order to be successful. The truth is that it is in paying attention to the small things that bring success. Growth is the result to caring for small details, it does not just happen. Helen Keller realized this when she said “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”
KEY TO FAILURE
When people try to start off on the big end of things they always fall short of anything good. Some people get the idea that the small details in business or life are not worth paying attention to and therefore they overlook them. This will cause stress, sloppy workmanship and in the end failure. Benjamin Franklin said “A small leak can sink a great ship.” This has been proven true far too many times as of late. What was American exceptionalism in business and the church has give way to money, size and power. Both have suffered for it. It is only in the details that true excellence is shown.
ALL IN DETAILS
In the book Song of Solomon from the Bible we are told “The little foxes that are ruining the vineyard.” It is the little things that are over looked that will cause the biggest problems. Likewise, it is in taking care of the small things – the details – that will bring us success. What makes the difference of a night at a Holiday Inn Express and one at the Hilton? Both are clean rooms with good beds but one will cost close to $200.00 more to stay in. It is the details. At the Holiday Inn you get a good night’s sleep but at the Hilton you get and experience. They know that it is the little things that make the big difference.
HEALTHY GROWTH
Do not think that because you are starting off small you are lacking. Never be in a hurry to grow. True growth comes naturally and is only healthy growth if the small things are properly done. Napoleon Hill said “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” Success-Minded People know that every detail, every small step is a great accomplishment when done with excellence. Things may look small but there is great power hidden in the smallest detail.
© 2011 John Patrick Hickey
