We live in a world that’s become increasingly obsessed with quick fixes. The 7-day diet. Go viral instantly. Become a millionaire in a few months. We’re always looking for ways to get difficult things done faster, easier, and cheaper. Let's take a step back...
Omg the timing of this post! I’ve really enjoyed my work lately and was just reflecting today that it’s because I’ve been giving myself the breathing room to really sink into the craft of my work—not just the bigger deliverables but small tasks like emails too. I think a big challenge for small business owners being able to do this is because often so many people feel stretched too thin or have life stuff happening. Over the past year or two, I’ve made a concerted effort to manage my capacity better + hire support and that’s helped me really do work that I’m really enjoying and reflects my standards. I love how you’ve put the importance of this into words, Justin!! It’s really validating to read. Thank you :)
Beautiful response, Monisha! And you're spot on. I've found that all those "small things" add up -- and compound -- into something much bigger. Keep stacking those accomplishments, Monisha! Wishing you all the best!
Love this Justin. I have a post-it up on my window facing my desk it says "Be a pro." Which is basically this. There is something really wonderful about doing something properly.
Funny how “doing things properly” feels like a lost art. Turns out, doing things properly over long periods of time compounds faster than any hack ever could.
In martial arts, there's the concept of “closed door students.” These are the master's closest students. The students to whom he entrusts all the deepest secrets of his style. Interestingly, everyone always thinks that such an exchange involves passing on very advanced techniques.
But I had the opportunity to learn that this is not the case.
Fascinatingly, they are taught and drill (extremely important) basics without which advanced techniques cannot be performed at all. Because you can have all the advanced techniques in the world. But you won't be able to apply them if you don't do the small things properly.
How can you build a skyscraper if the foundation isn't solid?
How can you run a successful business in the long term if you fail already at the little things?
It's the art of doing something properly (especially the basics) that makes you successful.
Thanks! The more I dive into martial arts, the more I see how much it mirrors life and business. It makes me wonder how many deeper layers of philosophy we overlook in everyday practice.
Thanks for this. The last thing I want to do after almost two decades in the military is hustle lol. I constantly feel like people keep saying you need to hustle, or grind harder, or whatever. Cool to them. I want to set my own personal cadence and go from there as we work out what we are trying to do. Appreciate your insight. It's been helping out.
It appeared in my inbox; almost as an afirmation, to the giddy thrill I felt when achieving a hard task today (first time) for a valued client.
Integrity in the work we produce, in honouring the process, and betting on yourself to see it through “because that’s who I am” is not valued nearly enough in the speed-to-nowhere economy.
Actually quality is overshadowed by the qty and the so-called gurus mislead both the service providers and the clients through their mantra of doing everything at lightening speed.
Good reminder @Justin Welsh. The old adage "How you do anything is how you do everything" comes to mind.
A related but important idea is ruthless focus. The two go hand in hand. If you are ruthlessly focused on the one thing that matters most right now and stay focused till it's done you're more likely to do it properly.
Staying focused in a hyper distracted world is now a super power.
I believe this is what we refer to as "being present" - present to process, independent of the results the whole world is constantly chasing. Its a deep satisfaction within us that is rarely seen, but unmistakable when we encounter it. And this breeds a renewed spirit that ends up producing said results without us even realizing it. Our love of a process - when time disappears and we can't decipher between work and play. This is the "head fake" we're all capable of experiencing. Super cool topic here - thanks for raising it.....
"How you do one thing is how you do everything." This is literally one of my all-time favorite lines. I try to be intentional with reminding my three children of this at least once a month. And when doing so, I typically stack it with another of my favorite sayings, which is, "Good isn't good enough if it can be better. And better isn't good enough if it can be best." Bottom line, they may get tired of hearing these sayings, but my hope is that those words will consistently echo in their ears. But even bigger than that, hopefully it'll drive them to be people of action who consistently deliver to the best of their ability. That's all I could ever ask.
Omg the timing of this post! I’ve really enjoyed my work lately and was just reflecting today that it’s because I’ve been giving myself the breathing room to really sink into the craft of my work—not just the bigger deliverables but small tasks like emails too. I think a big challenge for small business owners being able to do this is because often so many people feel stretched too thin or have life stuff happening. Over the past year or two, I’ve made a concerted effort to manage my capacity better + hire support and that’s helped me really do work that I’m really enjoying and reflects my standards. I love how you’ve put the importance of this into words, Justin!! It’s really validating to read. Thank you :)
What an awesome comment, Monisha. Thanks for sharing it. Always good to know that something resonates or hits at the right time.
Beautiful response, Monisha! And you're spot on. I've found that all those "small things" add up -- and compound -- into something much bigger. Keep stacking those accomplishments, Monisha! Wishing you all the best!
Love this Justin. I have a post-it up on my window facing my desk it says "Be a pro." Which is basically this. There is something really wonderful about doing something properly.
I could have just written, “Be a pro.” 😂
lolololol. no. the post was perfect as is. just being, you know, an editor :)
I’m just teasing!
You nailed it, Justin.
Funny how “doing things properly” feels like a lost art. Turns out, doing things properly over long periods of time compounds faster than any hack ever could.
It really does, Ryan. That’s the big “hack.”
Yes, for real ... the ancient art of doing things properly 😅
In martial arts, there's the concept of “closed door students.” These are the master's closest students. The students to whom he entrusts all the deepest secrets of his style. Interestingly, everyone always thinks that such an exchange involves passing on very advanced techniques.
But I had the opportunity to learn that this is not the case.
Fascinatingly, they are taught and drill (extremely important) basics without which advanced techniques cannot be performed at all. Because you can have all the advanced techniques in the world. But you won't be able to apply them if you don't do the small things properly.
How can you build a skyscraper if the foundation isn't solid?
How can you run a successful business in the long term if you fail already at the little things?
It's the art of doing something properly (especially the basics) that makes you successful.
Love this comment. What a cool take on the subject matter. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! The more I dive into martial arts, the more I see how much it mirrors life and business. It makes me wonder how many deeper layers of philosophy we overlook in everyday practice.
Ironically, your lack of an editing tool failed you: “And opportunities start finding you instead of you instead of the other way around.”
You’re right. I corrected it a few minutes after sending.
Great share.
Expertise is knowing how to find answers, not pretending to already have them.
Being dependable beats being a ‘know-it-all’ .
Thanks for this. The last thing I want to do after almost two decades in the military is hustle lol. I constantly feel like people keep saying you need to hustle, or grind harder, or whatever. Cool to them. I want to set my own personal cadence and go from there as we work out what we are trying to do. Appreciate your insight. It's been helping out.
Possibly one of the best articles you’ve written!
It appeared in my inbox; almost as an afirmation, to the giddy thrill I felt when achieving a hard task today (first time) for a valued client.
Integrity in the work we produce, in honouring the process, and betting on yourself to see it through “because that’s who I am” is not valued nearly enough in the speed-to-nowhere economy.
A thousand thank you’s @JustinWelsh
Actually quality is overshadowed by the qty and the so-called gurus mislead both the service providers and the clients through their mantra of doing everything at lightening speed.
Good reminder @Justin Welsh. The old adage "How you do anything is how you do everything" comes to mind.
A related but important idea is ruthless focus. The two go hand in hand. If you are ruthlessly focused on the one thing that matters most right now and stay focused till it's done you're more likely to do it properly.
Staying focused in a hyper distracted world is now a super power.
My first boss told me 40 years ago "Dennis, anything worth doing is worth doing well."
I think about it everyday since then.
this is especially true in this hyper digital AI world.
authenticity is the new rich.
I believe this is what we refer to as "being present" - present to process, independent of the results the whole world is constantly chasing. Its a deep satisfaction within us that is rarely seen, but unmistakable when we encounter it. And this breeds a renewed spirit that ends up producing said results without us even realizing it. Our love of a process - when time disappears and we can't decipher between work and play. This is the "head fake" we're all capable of experiencing. Super cool topic here - thanks for raising it.....
Your standards become your brand is a phrase that really resonates. Thank you for that.
"How you do one thing is how you do everything." This is literally one of my all-time favorite lines. I try to be intentional with reminding my three children of this at least once a month. And when doing so, I typically stack it with another of my favorite sayings, which is, "Good isn't good enough if it can be better. And better isn't good enough if it can be best." Bottom line, they may get tired of hearing these sayings, but my hope is that those words will consistently echo in their ears. But even bigger than that, hopefully it'll drive them to be people of action who consistently deliver to the best of their ability. That's all I could ever ask.