It’s the end of the year. It’s a mad race to the finish with only 13 business days left before the holidays. Our team will be out of pocket as of EOB December 21. There are goals to achieve, expectations to exceed, and future plans to make. There’s a lot going on.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the importance of perspective and how the correct perspective is key in success. But what is the correct perspective? I’ve been thinking a lot about this and I believe the correct perspective is to see the big picture. It’s really easy to get caught up in day-to-day activities and momentary dilemmas.
Oops, That’s Not Right …
To get a better understanding and to gauge whether you’re focused on the big picture or something else, let’s first look at what big picture thinking is not …
BIG PICTURE thinking is not:
- Acting out of emotions
- Rushed decisions
- Reactive behavior
- Focus on momentary pain / pleasure
Too ambiguous? How about these scenarios …
- Snapping at a coworker
- Quickly replying to an emotional email without first thinking through the best response
- Dwelling on a mistake to the point of fear and debilitation
- Allowing immediate pros / cons to dictate your actions throughout the day
This is not big picture thinking. This is small, reactive and ultimately unproductive, thinking. This is the sort of thinking we need to recognize and kill upon notice. This is the sort of thinking that inhibits success. In other words: Run away!
So, What IS the Big Picture?
Success doesn’t just fall into your lap. Yes, there are times that amazing, life-altering things happen that are beyond our control, but can one-off occurrences ultimately shape success? In my experience, success is a result of daily choices and behaviors that focus on big picture thinking.
Practically, this means investing the time, energy, and resources to build upon and into success. This process is comprised of daily choices, attitudes, and actions that most often focus on others and not ourselves. Things like encouraging others through what we say and do. I’m not perfect at this but I’m making a focused effort every day because, for me, success isn’t just accomplished goals or dollar signs, it’s relationships and experiences.
Choosing to Think Big Every Day
Big picture thinking is a choice. It’s a choice you have to make daily and often several times a day. The good news is we can create habits that support this success-centric thinking. We can form healthy habits by actively choosing joy, peace, patience, kindness … These are the habits that take more work upfront but are exponentially greater than immediate emotional and reactive choices.
Take time to reflect on your thinking and behavior today, this week, and beyond … Are you missing the big picture?
