How well do you appreciate small beginnings?
I was in a meeting recently and a few of us around the table were frustrated with the pace of our progress. I was probably more frustrated than most because, from a career perspective, I feel like EVERYTHING in my world is moving at a glacial pace. This meeting was just one more example. Apparently my attitude was leaking because a colleague and dear friend gently reminded "the room" of an important principle:
"Don't despise the days of small beginnings."
She said this quickly as though she were quoting a well-known proverb. Is this an expression? I hadn't heard it before.
"Wait! What did you say?" I made her say it again, slowly this time.
Don't Despise The Days Of Small Beginnings.
Wow. That's quite a thought. I'm guilty of this. Perhaps "despise" is too strong a word. However, I'm regularly annoyed by my days filled with small beginnings.
In my former life, work came at me like a rushing torrent and the pace was relentless and unvaried. In the entrepreneur and creative endeavors, the pace is uneven, waxing and waning like the tide. While this doesn't surprise me, I am still adjusting to the variability.
I want quick movement. Large milestones. Big gains. At a minimum, I would appreciate a predictable pace.
And yet, beginnings are, by their very nature, small endeavors. And proper growth takes time. I know this to be true, unchangeable, and beyond my control.
What I CAN manage is my attitude during the process. Being impressed with grandeur is easy, but developing an appreciation for the little steps is what I need to do most.
How have you managed your days of small beginnings?
Photo Credit: NASA ESA/Hubble