Sometimes we can’t see the trees for the forest. Wrapped up in the idea of producing a great piece of writing, we fail to focus on the next sentence. Hungry to draw a great picture, we forget to pay attention to the simple line before us. Eager to make our millions, we forget about the customer who’s trying to flag us down.
We talk about seeing the big picture, but we forget that it’s comprised of tiny pixels, each one in need of our attention.
It’s a good thing to look up now and then and see the big picture. We need to have some idea of where we’re headed and determine whether or not we’ve run off course. But it’s just as important to remember where we are, to watch our step, and pay attention to our stride.
Think big, but when you’re done, think small and turn your attention to the beauty and wonder of the details.
Hear the notes and not just the song. Take as much joy in the crafting of a phrase as you did in conceiving the idea for your story. Devote as much attention to the drawing of an earlobe as you do to your desire to draw a full portrait.
I think this is good advice. Now, just like you, I have to go learn how to follow it.
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Tonight I was eagerly awaiting a programme to start and then I had a reality check – why am I wishing these moments to fly past so quickly, they will never come again and I’m shortening my life into the bargain. I’d say that was thinking about the little stuff that we often overlook.
Another fine post. Thank you, you’re so insightful.