Forward 10: Sometimes it’s the Little Things
In a society where we are so caught up with getting ahead, obtaining more, succeeding in our careers, we often overlook the “little things.” Things that, if taken advantage of, can be more interesting and fulfilling than the big things we are constantly chasing.
In my 27 years in Public Relations, I have had the good fortune to travel, meet a lot of interesting people and do many interesting things. Here’s a few ways we can enjoy the “little things” that we are blessed with every day.
1. Characterize a business trip as a pleasure trip. In my profession, I travel on a regular basis. But it was only recently that I started enjoying the trips I took. I now seek out friends in my network in each city I visit. I also look for an out-of-the-way restaurant or unique aspect of the city I’m in. There’s great pleasure in eating a hot pretzel from a sidewalk vendor on Times Square!
2. No matter how far you’ve come, always be accessible. The executives I admire most are the ones that are most accessible. The CEO at my company is available to everyone in our firm, no matter what level. He works hard at this. This accessibility means a lot to our employees. Seth Godin answers his own emails. (IF you don’t know who Seth is, find out quickly, you will be blessed!). I know this for a fact, because he replies to mine!
3. Take a mental health day and do nothing. Why is it that we are always “planning” time off? Sounds counterintuitive to me! Take a day. Do nothing. Don’t plan anything that day; just do whatever strikes you at the moment. My wife and I recently took a weekend for ourselves, without anything planned. It was the best weekend we spent together in a long time. Mainly because it was spontaneous and not planned.
4. Say “thank you” more often. I touched on this in my last column. Thank you is a phrase that is both overused and undervalued. We sometimes say thank you automatically and don’t appreciate who we are saying it to. Next time, pause, make eye contact, and say “thank you for what you do” to someone helping you. I have developed this habit with airport security workers. It is a thankless job, to be sure. Brighten up their day by stopping and really expressing your thanks.