Chapter 13 Meticulous

Being meticulous is about paying attention to small details. As a hugely successful world karate champion once told me, attention to detail is what separates him from the rest. Successful people in many walks of life understand the importance of detail. You see, they know the biggest differences emerge from making a lot of little differences- to the details.


Focus on the small details during a physical workout and you'll be surprised how quickly you become exhausted. It's tough. But working out in this way leads to great leaps in progress. In a few short sessions you begin to see your overall performance improve. In a real sense: when you sweat the small stuff, you enhance the big stuff.


In karate details are important. When we train we focus our attention on each movement. We seek to perform every technique  with care and attention. Karate masters know the value of doing things thoroughly to completion. They have thirst for perfection and finesse. And they understand that when they practice in this way they're not only training their body, they're also training their mind. It's the same in all areas of life. Paying attention to the details leads to small improvements that add up to make a big difference. Not only physically, but mentally too.


Want quick win? Fix the details. You can always do something about the details. It's something you can instantly improve. It's like straightening your tie: one small adjustment makes all the differences. so look for small things to improve. do what's doable. you'll build momentum and feel like you're actually getting somewhere.


So if you want to improve your public speaking skills, for example, pay attention to the details. make every word count. Become aware of your mannerisms and drop the ones that cause a distraction. Mean what you say, and mean it when you move. Understand your audience and fulfill their needs in small but significant ways. Adjust the temperature of the room. Set the lighting. Fix the sound.


The brilliance behind every outstanding piece of work or performance is always found in the smallest of details.


The brilliance behind every outstanding piece of work or performance is always found in the smallest of details. Surgeons know it. Computer programmers know it. Athletes know it. Engineers know it. Designers know it. Artists know it. They all understand the secret to quality in every aspect of their work is doing the little things well. Precision. Attention to detail. Perfection. That's what being meticulous is all about