The most recent audio book I am listening to is titled Essentialism by Greg McKeown. In a nutshell, it suggests that we eliminate the non-essential tasks in our lives that are holding us back from achieving what is most important. I listen while I walk at noon each day. (You are finding the time “making the time” to walk each day, correct?)
Chapter 17 was titled The Power of Small Wins. Coincidentally, three days ago my sister sent me a motivational YouTube link from a Navy Seal outlining the ten most important steps to success. The initial step focused on “small wins.” Twice in the same week, from different sources, one of my main topics of discussion were supported from without.
In the Seal speech, the drill sergeant shared the importance of beginning each day by making one’s bed meticulously. The rationale was that if you stated each day completing a task perfectly, it would set the tone and grease the skids for the rest of the day. It also reinforced the importance of executing with detailed precision.
Then came my audio book, which also supported the concept and value of the small win. Doing little things sooner, rather than big things later, was the major point of the chapter. It conjured up thoughts of the old Casey Stengel quote I have been sharing for nearly 35 years. (NY Yankee Manager. And NY Mets)
“If my pitcher would pitch at the beginning of a game the same way he pitches at the end of the game once he realizes he is losing, he wouldn’t be losing in the first place.”
What can you do right now that will help your cause later? Something. Anything. In my case, while I am training for a 70.3 Ironman Triathlon, those some things might include: A quick set of ten push ups; a glass of water; twenty deep knee bends; 30 seconds of toe raises; a walk down and back up the steps to my condo. In and of themselves, none of these carry a lot of weight. But none of them will hurt me, and in five months when it is “show time,” I will be glad I took the time to continue my forward movement.
Small wins, incremental improvement, personal satisfaction in having completed a task properly is a mindset worth developing. Delete meaningless tasks and replace them with forward movement. Little-by-little. Onward and upward.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club. Send for details.
One thought on “Essentialism”
What a great missive today…thank you!