Pursuing Greatness With The Little Things
by Russell T. Williams
“True greatness consists in being great in little things.”Charles Simmons
It was July 11,1978 and a priceless moment with Dad. Packed up and ready to start a new career in Northern California, my wife and I and our two toddlers were at his house to say Good-Bye.
It had only been fifteen months since my mom had passed on from cancer. Dad’s world was rocked by her passing. I had been his stable rock in difficult times. Now, the eldest son and young family were off to pursue a big adventure as he continued picking up the fractured pieces of his own journey. For both dad and son, this Good-Bye was charged.
Dad kept his feelings upbeat until we piled into the car. Finally, the moment had arrived with nothing left to say or do. Change was present. Dad wanted the best for his son and family; I wanted to be sure Dad would be okay. Life cannot offer such guarantees.
Unexpectedly, as I started up the engine, Dad stuck his head in the side front window. With emotional content I shall never forget, he looked at me, saying, “Russ, remember, take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.” With those words he turned and walked toward the front door of his home. We drove away. I could not speak.
I do not know how Dad pulled that off. But, there he was offering a pearl of great price, one that I have never forgotten and which I have aspired to express, no matter how many times I have come up short.
Was Dad the consummate life coach? Hands down, Yes! On that day and moment, he played the Ace of Wisdom from his heart and mind. He was not poker faced, but he knew how and when to handle the character moment as a teacher, counselor, guide and encourager.
It is impossible for me to convey the significance of that moment. But, if I were to characterize the lesson of Dad’s words … just eighteen days shy of thirty years since he spoke them, I can say with assurance, he communicated the essential lesson of the pursuit of excellence: Keep your eye on the ball of doing your best with the little things…daily, weekly, monthly, yearly…and you will discover the cumulative impact that such a focus produces with Life’s Big Things.
