Typos and Space Suit Colors

Don’t let minor issues get in the way of the big picture. Too often we get caught up in our own priorities and minor issues when they don’t even line up with the overall objective of our organization. We allow these priorities and preferences to become such major issues in our own mind we completely miss the big picture. How often do we end up missing our ultimate goal because we got sidetracked by a minor issue that became the only issue in our mind at the time? Do we quit striving for remarkable because of a minor issue? Do we end the project? Do we throw out our plans? Do we make it such a big deal it begins to negatively impact those around us? It’s like throwing out a brand new coat because there’s a typo on the inside label. Would the space program in the 70’s have ended if they could’t agree on what color the space suits should be? In the grand scope of things the color really didn’t matter. If you find yourself focusing on label typos and space suit colors, it might be time to step back, refocus and develop a clear picture of the real priorities. You don’t have to ignore your priorities and preferences, but you certainly should keep them in the proper perspective and let others on the team know about them in order to effectively move forward. Remember, it’s not always about you. Keep this in mind over the weekend as well. Don’t let work priorities overwhelm your priorities at home.