We do so many things each day-- so many things that we often forget about all the small things that we do (the things that don't necessarily make it to the top of our priority list, the things we did maybe just because we had the extra time). We remember the big things and so seldom remember the small things.
Maybe you had an interview or a big game, a final exam or a speech: these are the things we remember about a day. But the same day that you had your interview (or big game, final exam, or speech), you got stuck in traffic, cooked dinner, watched a movie, and probably did 100 other things that seemed so little, so pointless, that you forget about them.
Why do we remember the things we remember? Well, we tend to remember what we think was important. Where most of our attention was given, that's what we look back on. You were so nervous for your interview and edited your resume tirelessly; you practiced hours on end for the big game; you practically lived in the library the days before your final exam; you ran through your speech more times than you could count, making constant changes until it was perfect.
Big things require effort, and effort requires time and energy. We remember things that require our time and effort. So, if something doesn't take up a lot of time or doesn't require a lot of effort, is it not worth remembering?
We remember the interview, the big game, the final exam, and the speech because they resonated with us: they made us nervous, sad, happy, proud, disappointed, annoyed; maybe they made us remember something else; maybe they made us forget.
We remember the big things because they teach us lessons.
What did the big game teach you?
I learned that hard work pays off.
Everything in life teaches us something-- the big things are easy to recognize. But, what about the small things? The big game was at 7 p.m.; it lasted three hours. There are 24 hours in a day. Take away eight for sleep (if we're lucky), and that leaves us with 13 hours. What happened during those 13 hours? You're probably thinking... well, nothing really. Maybe nothing big, but that doesn't mean nothing happened. I would bet that a lot happened in those 13 hours; I would bet that, even though effort wasn't required from you and time wasn't taken from you, you learned something: maybe about yourself, maybe about someone else, or maybe even about life.
The big game was awesome. You worked really hard. You won. Remember it, and remember it well. But, don't overlook your mom cooking you dinner before your game. Don't overlook your family riding with you in the car to the game. Don't overlook sitting in traffic after the game. Don't overlook these small things, because you might just miss out on their lessons.
The big game taught you that hard work pays off. But, did you learn anything else?
Your mom took the time to cook you dinner before your game. She sat and talked with you while you ate.
Did you learn to never take time spent with my family for granted?
Your mom, dad, and brother rode with you to the game. Your mom was saying how she knew you were going to do a great job. Your dad was reviewing plays and throwing in some last minute tips, making sure you felt as confident in yourself as others felt towards you. Your brother was playing pump-up music trying to turn your nervousness into laughter.
Did you learn that things don't matter, people do?
After the game, you all got back into the car and hit a ton of traffic on the way home.
Did you learn that there's no use in worrying about things you have no control over?
Hard work pays off. Big time. But that wasn't the only lesson that a random June day had to offer you. Life is full of beautiful things, big and small.
Maybe the small things don't take up a lot of your time or require a lot of your effort, but I can promise you that they are full of lessons.
They say don't sweat the small stuff, and I agree. Don't worry about the small stuff (because I'm sure you'll be plenty busy worrying about the big stuff). Don't sweat the small stuff; instead, let it teach you.
