Ever notice that the razors we use to shave our skin can yield very different results with just one subtle, but impactful change? Held at one angle, the razor shaves us smooth as porcelain, but a slight tweak of the angle and it cuts the same surface – ouch! In much the same way, I’ve been thinking a lot about how micro-changes we make at work (those seemingly small shifts in action and strategy) can magnify the impact of our efforts and make all the difference in our results.
Utilizing the warrior spirit at work requires us to work smarter not harder. That doesn’t mean only big, bold actions. It can also mean, and by necessity requires, small changes and shifts that boost our effectiveness. It’s spending a few minutes organizing your work day before it starts, listening to a self-improvement audio book vs. vicious talk radio on the way to work, replacing 15 minutes of lunch hour with 15 minutes of walking, asking a few specifics on client challenges you can help fix vs. discussing the weather. Small things add up over time and create a big impact overall.
I think of two micro-changes I’ve made in my business that have made a huge difference in my performance. The first is taking a few minutes each day to plan, prioritize and get balanced before the chaos of the day begins. You can’t tap your warrior spirit at work if you’re a mental mess of confusion. The other is to schedule and complete a handful (not 482) of impactful tasks that are worthy of my effort, time and attention each day. Creating success isn’t about doing everything in one day, it’s about doing some things every day.
The reason I’m such a fan of making micro-changes is because they are easy to do, require little or no extra time (if you’re replacing something else) and are sustainable, meaning you can do them every day and stick with them. Small changes for better results. Remember, just a small shift in angle determines whether the razor cuts the hair or your skin.
What micro-changes can you make that will make you more effective in the days, weeks and months ahead? What small things can you add in, what bad habits can you replace, what small shifts can you make that will be easy to stick with and maintain? The changes you want to see down the road start with the actions you take today.
Answering these questions and implementing the answers can be the difference between simply enduring another week or month and creating success in it, just like the difference between a smooth shave and heading out the door with a toilet paper patch as a bandage.
