Are We Too Busy Chasing Big?

Are We Too Busy Chasing Big?

Posted on 22. Aug, 2011 by in 1 Leadership, Change In Action, People & Change

Are you looking for something big while missing the small that happen around you each day? Does big equate to great?

If your curiosity was piqued by the two questions, I suspect we’re alike in many ways. I know I’m not alone in my passion to achieve great things while I’m walking this earth. That passion drives me to redefine my business. Myself. It’s what pulls me forward to take on writing my first book.

While dreaming, planning, and shipping big is great, even necessary, it becomes a road too often traveled.

In the busyness of chasing big the significance of the small too often is minimized.

  • Spending time getting to know new employees. Catching up with familiar employees.
  • Reading that book sitting on your shelf reminding you to learn something new
  • Revisiting (even writing down) your personal mission statement
  • Hanging out with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews
  • Sitting in silence
  • Reflecting on your day, that last meeting, your next step

Will I stop chasing big? No. Neither should you. Tali Sharot, author of The Optimism Bias, writes that our brains are wired to imagine a better future. That ability feeds into chasing big ideas, changes, you name it.

For the sake of your health, your employees’ health, even the quality of your plans and execution, spend time with the small.

If that little voice creeps up saying, “Ignore this fool” I have one question for you: What’s it costing you to constantly chase big? Ask those on your team. At home.

If on the other hand no such little voice creeps up, block time on your calendar to chase small.

Image shared freely courtesy of me.

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6 Responses to “Are We Too Busy Chasing Big?”

  1. Valerie Iravani

    22. Aug, 2011

    Hello Shawn,

    While we focus on goals at work, goals that keep us striving for great numerical results, it is the memories we create for each other that have the lasting sense of accomplishment, meaning, and happiness.

    Today we are holding a baby shower for one of my team members and his wife. The Director approved the budget expense to provide lunch and decorations, and everyone pitched in to buy gifts, cards and funny presents.

    We are celebrating a milestone event in this employees life, and including his family, which he almost can’t believe. Not many employers celebrate the individual life events as much as my employer does.

    On a daily basis, we collect “kudo” emails from our customers who are pleased with the service we provide. We review them at our bi-weekly team meeting and award a “kudo crown” for the one who received either the most kudos or the most meaningful from a raving fan. This was started by my team, not me. And we love it. Even after 18 months, the team members are still forwarding me the kudos to “count crow” together.

    Celebrate and create memories for your team members. They will carry these wherever life may take them, and add to their happiness.

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      22. Aug, 2011

      Valerie,
      I enjoy reading your real world leadership and empowerment examples. I’m looking forward to your guest post here.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  2. Billy Kirsch

    22. Aug, 2011

    Great post Shawn. Sitting in silence is one of my favorite methods to begin a work period. It may appear that I’m doing nothing when I do this: But I’m gathering thoughts, intentions and emotions to begin the more active work. Additionally, we can only achieve BIG through as series of small steps.

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      22. Aug, 2011

      Ah yes. Sitting silent. [Insert cricket noise.]
      I’ve weaned myself off checking my emails first thing in the AM. It’s a great way to enjoy silence in the morning.

      Always great to read your comments, Billy. Hope you are well.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  3. Laura Kimball

    22. Aug, 2011

    I love this — it’s another way of saying “enjoy the journey” and take time to smell the roses along the way, but I like the way you said it better.

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      22. Aug, 2011

      Hi Laura,
      Thank you for the kind words. Slowing down on the journey and smelling those roses is something I’ve recently discovered. And really have cherished the small acts and silent moments.

      Glad you stopped by.

      Be well,
      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

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