The Little Things

Do you aspire to great things? Start with the little ones. Focus on the little ones. For those who have known me for some time, you probably realize I’m very much “it’s the simple kind of things” guy. In fact, if you have not given me a hard time for being overly giddy or excited over seemingly frivolous actions, words, or experiences, you probably do not know me well enough. I want to laugh. I want rid my day to day life of unnecessary and self-created stress and drama. I refuse to let unfortunate circumstances keep me down for long (most of the time). As Emily would put it, I want to choose joy. I want you to choose joy as well. I want you to have THE best day EVER. Now, this is not to say there are not plenty of occasions that drag me down, disappoint me, or cause a certain degree of pain. There’s always a song, conversation with a friend, dog, mile long running route, golf course, beer, cookout, or piano to help deal with stress, though. Those times I do find myself upset or frustrated? You better believe I have an impeccable ability to turn it into motivation… to focus…to drive… to run an angry mile… to take it hard to the rim… to shoot a 74. By the grace of God, I am very resilient. I could not be more thankful that the seemingly little things in life cause this resiliency.

During my junior year at UGA, I was taking the first series of classes in the Institute for Leadership Advancement’s LEAD program, when Dr. Clawson gave us the semester’s task of putting together our Personal Development & Leadership Plan (PDLP for short). For the 60 of us in the program, this document was a source of many long nights and countless hours spent compiling 32 pages worth of reflection and information on… well, us. Each of us took time to interview four individuals who knew our strengths and our weaknesses well, and we asked them to share a few of these… finally asking them the simple question, “Why should anyone be led by me?” Sometimes, in order to best see yourself, you must look to others who know you well. I chose my friend and roommate (LJ), my first friend at UGA (Sara), my ex girlfriend (twice over)…, and my father. My dad attributed one of my weaknesses to being too task oriented and failing to see the big picture at times. It’s safe to say I took those words to heart. It’s safe to say I still do. I point to that conversation when looking for reasons to explain a child-like (or maybe just childish to some) love for the little things… the simple things… the important things.

Honestly, I have no idea how others make it through the day – much less the week – without a true appreciation for the little things. Tough day at work? Turn on a hot jam during the ride home. Most of the time, it really is that simple for me. When I graduated from UGA, my sister warned me about tough days… “I am just a little sad that you now have to leave all that behind and begin your life in the real world. You'll find that people out here are not as quick to pat you on the back for a job well done, nor are they as optimistic about the world as you are. Out here you will certainly face more temptations than the worst night in the frat house.” Absolutely. Just choose joy instead. Great day at work? Buy your favorite beer, pour it into your favorite glass, and send your brother a message… laughing about how great you have it. Yes, it’s tough out here at times. I’m just glad I have a family, friends, and my faith to help me realize there are much more important things to focus on – the little things.

There are so many people who made and continue to make a deep and sincere investment in my life. Whether it was a friend, a mentor, a professor, or a parent constantly calling from home… I have no doubt each and every one of us can point to an occasion when someone enhanced our development and prepared us for the road ahead. And the results of that investment are made evident every morning I climb out of bed. Today, I choose to continue making the absolute best of it.