When It’s Okay to Sweat the Small Stuff

“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” How many times have you heard that? Now, how many times have you heard it and thought, “But that is what I’m great at. Attention to detail is my strength.”

I always say that you should bet on your strengths, no matter what. It might be the most underrated strategy in modern business. We have an obsession with improvement. We spend time trying to correct weaknesses, when we could be just paying attention to the strengths. Why?

On the flip side, I also am one of those people who will tell you that getting too deep into the details will make you lose sight of what really needs to be accomplished. My saying for this is “the clouds and the dirt.” The clouds are the end goal, the dream. The dirt is the actual execution of that dream. Those are the two things you need to pay attention to.

So, with both those things being said: how do you execute on a talent like paying attention to small stuff? How do you move forward? I can understand it might be difficult to know exactly where your talents could be most valuable.

I have a few thoughts for you.

First, if you’re top dog, and your specialize in being detail-oriented, your business is going to be small. That’s just what I believe. If you aren’t looking to expand into a three hundred person enterprise, then don’t sweat it. You’ve got this. Someone with their eyes and ears on the tiny details can easily manage and run a smaller company.

But what if you have bigger expectations? If you don’t already have a business, maybe you’re looking for the right partner to start a big one with.

If that is the case, you need to pair yourself with someone who only thinks about the bigger picture. They need to be the opposite of you. In fact, you might even be happier as a second-in-command. It will allow you to pay attention to those small details you would not normally be able to.

Attach yourself to a number one and bet on your strengths. Your upside is limited as the number one, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be an amazing business person.

Essentially, you have two decisions to make.

One, if you’re cool with not being number one.

Two, if you’re going to team up with someone who will be able to elevate your work.

I’ll leave you with this: the twenty percent you give being part of a team will be far greater than the a hundred percent you do for yourself. You’ll have people to complement your work, and you’ll help other people in the difficult task of details. And your team will be solid because you have pinpointed a strength, so now all you have to do is find the person that matches your weaknesses.

What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Leave a comment and let me know.