As we run faster and faster on the treadmill of Life, we rarely get a chance to slow down and think. Think about what really matters.
Your Dream Matters
Having a dream does. And making it come true matters too. After all, isn’t that the deeper purpose of a meaningful life – finding something worth pursuing, and then doing it?
Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder, in his address at Stanford, said:
“…for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
That inspiring advice has served as my personal guide for the last few years. Life has become so much more fun after I started following it!
Your Results Matter
I know how to build a million dollar business. But I don’t teach it. Why not? Because I haven’t DONE it. And results matter!
Dreaming is fine. Talking about your dreams is great. But when thinking and describing it is all that you do, no one will take you seriously. Because results matter. Even small ones. And for as long as your results keep improving, you know you’re on the right track.
Your Growth Matters
I’m reading Jay Abraham’s new book, “The Sticking Point Solution”. In it, Jay shares his oft repeated aphorism – “If your business isn’t growing, it’s dying!”.
That’s true of other things, too. Your skills and talents. Your knowledge and experience. Your assets and savings. If they aren’t growing, they are slowly dying. Growth matters.
Small Things Matter
My aunt called today. She has crippling arthritis. I’m to arrange for a specialist to examine her. I did it. She’s happy about it. To me, it’s a ’small thing’ – but not to her. To her, it’s a BIG thing!
Small things matter. More than you may realize. The sum total of many small things make up the greater share of the life you lead, no matter what or who you are.
I have time to counsel my sister. To spend with my daughter. To give my wife the attention she deserves. All of these were results of a conscious choice – one made at a cost in other areas.
But life has been more fulfilling since making it than earlier, when single-minded focus on the ‘big’ goals was at the center of my vision – all the time! Small things matter.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, Dr. Mani.
What a great and profound message.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the depth of your introspection.
I don’t have a big list, but I’m going to tell them all now to follow you on twitter. More people need exposure to people like you.
Your friend,
Dan Ho
Your post reminds me of a Christmas past when my sister, knowing me as well as she does, gave me two boxes of my favorite dryer sheets that are only available in the supermarket where she lives.
I was so excited and happy to receive that silly little gift. (My brother, was horrified, and still doesn’t get it.)
This was such a small gesture, but so appreciated. It really is the small things that matter.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful insight.
Olivia