"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." – Vincent Van Gogh
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "It's just this one time," or "It's just a small thing, it doesn't matter," or "I'll do it next time?" These thoughts may seem harmless, but they are precisely what Van Gogh was cautioning against.
What if I told you that these small, seemingly insignificant actions are the building blocks of who we are and what we stand for?
Think back to those questions. Each time you told yourself it’s just a small thing, has it truly been just that one time? Do you tend to live up to the “one time” promise?
A few years ago, I had an epiphany. Every morning, I would get up, make my bed, and step out onto the balcony to let the morning sunlight hit my eyes for ten minutes. Taking in the sights and sounds, I would center myself for the day ahead. This daily ritual wasn’t just a routine; it was a reflection of my character. Something as simple as making my bed—the small stuff—became my first win of the day, placing me in the right mental space to handle whatever came next.
CONTEXT
See, I’ve always been an observer. I watch more than I speak, and this approach has allowed me to make sense of the world, understand people better, and respond with intention. It’s taught me that people reveal more through their actions than their words.
When we talk about progress, many people focus on the shiny, monumental moments—Game Day, Finals, Promotions, Holidays, Anniversaries. These are worth celebrating, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. The part we often overlook is the ‘small stuff’—the countless, consistent actions that make those moments possible.
For instance, when your favourite athlete gets injured, you might be unaware of the gruelling work required for them to return to peak performance. You’re eager for them to be that star you “know,” but the real magic happens in the unglamorous recovery sessions and small wins along the way.
This is the disconnect for many: they overlook the power of small, consistent actions.
Focusing only on big moments can lead to frustration and stagnation when things don’t happen overnight.
Here’s what happens when we ignore the small stuff:
We miss opportunities for incremental growth and improvement.
We underestimate the cumulative impact of our daily habits.
We fail to build a strong foundation for future success.
To truly Be Better, you must shift your focus to the small, everyday actions that shape your character and direct your life—because these decisions are what truly move you forward.
THE METHOD: sweat the Small Stuff
So, how do you start sweating the small stuff? Here are three strategies to leverage its power:
Mindful Awareness: Pay attention to your daily habits and routines. From how many times you hit the snooze button to how you respond to others. Start noticing the small choices you make throughout the day.
Intentional Action: Approach everything with purpose and care. Even small tasks, when done mindfully, can make a big difference. Example: In conversations, practice active listening instead of thinking about what you’ll say next.
Cumulative Thinking: Each small action builds your character and success. Picture how these actions add up over time to create meaningful change.
EXAMPLE
Think of it like building a house.
A house isn't built in one day; it’s constructed brick by brick, nail by nail. Each small step contributes to the overall structure and integrity of the building. Similarly, your character and achievements are built through small, consistent actions. How you handle minor inconveniences, how you treat others, and how much effort you put into tasks that may seem unimportant all contribute to the overall "house" of your character.
THE MENTAL SIDE
Psychologically, focusing on small actions taps into the concept of self-efficacy—the belief in your ability to succeed. When you regularly execute small tasks well, you build confidence. This newfound confidence then extends to larger challenges, creating a positive feedback loop.
By consciously paying attention to small actions, you train your brain to see more opportunities for growth and improvement.
ANOTHER RELATABLE EXAMPLE
I love analogies, so here’s another one: Saving money. Saving a dollar a day might seem insignificant. After all, "It's just a dollar," right? But after a year, that’s $365. Over ten years, $3,650. Add compound interest, and the sum grows even more. The same principle applies to all areas of life: the extra rep at the gym, the five minutes of reading before bed, or the decision to take the stairs.
These small choices compound over time, leading to meaningful improvements in your physical health, knowledge, and fitness.
CHALLENGE
This week, I challenge you to become more aware of the small stuff:
Identify three daily actions you usually do on autopilot (e.g., making your bed, writing emails, eating lunch).
For each action, set an intention to perform it with full awareness and effort.
At the end of the day, reflect on how this mindful approach affected your mood, productivity, and sense of accomplishment.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Life isn’t just about the big moments—it’s equally about the small ones. These seemingly insignificant actions reveal your values, build your habits, and ultimately shape your future. When you 'sweat the small stuff', you’re not being obsessive; you’re taking control of your life and building your character.
Until next time,
Oliver
Mindset and Mental Performance Coach
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