313. How To Be Awesome At Obsessing Over The Small Things
This is one of those things that I wish I would have understood as clearly in my 20s and 30s as I do now in my 40s… but I guess that’s living and learning. It’s the understanding that the small things are what matters. The small things we do or don’t do everyday. It’s what Warren Buffet describes as the power of compounding interest. It’s building a little snow ball and rolling it down a very long hill. It’s slow then it’s fast. This is my problem with the whole - don’t sweat the small stuff thing. I appreciate not having anxiety and worrying about every little thing but at the same time - when you give yourself a pass on the habits that would add up to the person you want to be - things like - making the sales calls, lifting weights, eating healthy, taking your supplements, doing regular doctors visits, having the uncomfortable conversations, avoiding toxic things in the environment and toxic people… You miss the little things - that add up to the big things. We’re unpacking it today! You wake up one day with a chronic disease and you’re like when did this happen? It started 20 years ago. When did this happen? It happened today! It’s the TINY decision you decided to do or not do that didn’t seem like it mattered. It compounds - and it’s almost invisible. It’s slow then it’s fast. That’s why it’s so easy to overlook the small things. If you are competitive like me - know that most people overlook the small things - which gives you a competitive advantage if you obsess over the small things. This mindset change is everything. It’s realizing that small actions - hundreds of small actions stack up over time to create big change. Here are some examples across different areas of life: Personal Development * Reading for 10 minutes a day: Over a year, this adds up to about 12–15 books, enriching knowledge and perspectives. * Journaling one line of gratitude: Shifts mindset to focus on positivity and resilience. * Writing down one lesson learned: Helps build wisdom and awareness through reflection. * Practicing deep breathing for 2 minutes: Builds mindfulness and reduces stress, with lasting effects on mental clarity. Health and Wellness * Stretching for 5 minutes: Enhances flexibility and prevents injuries over time. * Taking the stairs: Improves cardiovascular health and builds strength in small ways. * Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning: Boosts hydration and kickstarts metabolism. * Adding one vegetable to meals: Slowly shifts your diet toward more whole, nutritious foods. Relationships * Complimenting or appreciating one person daily: Strengthens connections and builds goodwill. * Spending 5 distraction-free minutes with loved ones: Deepens emotional bonds over time. * Sending a quick check-in text: Maintains friendships and relationships without requiring large time commitments. Professional Growth * Writing or brainstorming for 5 minutes: Over time, this can result in innovative ideas or improved skills. * Networking with one person weekly: Grows a professional network exponentially over time. * Learning one new word or skill daily: Adds up to 365 small improvements in a year. Financial Habits * Saving a small amount every day: Even $5 daily grows to $1,825 in a year, which can compound further with investments. * Tracking one expense daily: Builds financial awareness and helps identify patterns over time. * Skipping one impulse purchase: Redirecting that money toward savings or investments compounds into financial stability. Creativity * Doodling or sketching for 2 minutes: Enhances creativity and visual thinking skills. * Capturing one photo a day: Trains your eye to see beauty and inspiration in the mundane. * Writing 50 words daily: Adds up to a novel in a year! Remember it’s building a little snow ball and rolling it down a very longgggg hill!!