The Small Stuff

“Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige’s wall there was this one: ‘Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.’ Master Ittei commented, ‘Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.” -Excerpt from Hakagure, The Book Of The Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Translated by William Scott Wilson

Richard Carlson wrote a bestselling book entitled “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff…And It’s All Small Stuff.”

Yes, we shouldn’t “sweat” the small stuff. Meaning don’t worry unnecessarily about things. Have perspective.

However, that does not mean ignoring the small stuff. Not paying attention to detail or taking action.

Quite the opposite, especially when you’re producing. It is those small, seemingly innocuous details that you must “treat seriously.” Before they “become matters of great concern” and it’s too late.

P.S. – When it comes to taking care of the details, nothing beats a work plan.