Doing Things in a Great Way

I saw this quote the other day – “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” Napoleon Hill.

How often do we not allow ourselves to shine because we think that our contribution to life is insignificant? We think so little of ourselves that we fail to see how important a role we play in our own lives as well as the lives of those around us.

The first thing we have to do is define what we believe is great things. Doing something great could be as simple as offering a kind word to a stranger, letting someone in front of you at the grocery store because they are in a hurry and need to get somewhere. We never know what that small act could do for that person for that day. We can do small things for ourselves too. Allowing ourselves to indulge in that decadent slice of cheesecake even though we’re trying to lose weight, could be just what we need for the day. Of course, over-indulging isn’t a good thing, but to let up on ourselves for a day, a moment in time, goes a long way to showing ourselves kindness.

There are many people who do great things every day. We have so many wonderful doctors and nurses who give of their time tirelessly to serving their community. But by the same token, we have many mothers out there, who go without every day so that their children can have. Mothers who spend the day working to contribute to the finances of the home, and then still taking care of the needs of their families – that’s doing great things! We have single moms and single dads who double-up as parents and caregivers to their families – they’re doing great things! We have dads who sacrifice time with their children so that they can give them a life that they will never need anything, that’s doing great things.

I suppose it’s all about acknowledging that we do great things all the time, we just don’t define what we as being great. So if it is that you don’t, then do the small things that you do, but do them greatly. Think of the many workers who travel each day to clean our houses. Their contribution to our lives, may sometimes, not be seen as doing great things. But through every little thing that they do to make our lives more comfortable, they are doing great things for where would we be without them?

So yes, this article isn’t very long and I apologise for that. However, I hope that it inspires you to know that no matter what you do, and how small or trivial you think it is, know that you are doing it in a great way and that’s the most important thing that you can acknowledge for yourself. Every effort that you make does not go unnoticed. It may sometimes feel like it does, but that’s not the case. For even if the person for whom you did that small thing, doesn’t notice, others do. And, it is always through our actions that people remember us. So make each interaction with everyone that you come into contact, a memorable one. Remember that it doesn’t have to be a great act, just one small kindness, just treating that other person with dignity and respect – all the small things being done greatly.