I have a very close friend who is an expert computer programmer, one day I told him all about an idea I had for a videogame. I explained all the action scenes, plot twists and puzzles that had to be accomplished, even the graphic design idea for the box for the game. With equally as wide eyes and enthusiasm, he said, “Wow! That’s great!”
I had recently begun to learn how to program and wanted to know: “So, where do I begin?”
Without pause or contemplation, he confidently responded: “First make a single pixel display red…then make that pixel move from one location to another…then celebrate because from there it is all downhill.”
WHAT???
I scrunched my eyebrows together. Maybe he didn’t understand my description of the game. I was NOT making a game about red, dancing pixels!!! I had exciting, action-packed levels and twists and turns at every corner!
I walked away, and I hope I remembered to mumble “gee…thanks”.
Often times, we tend to visualize things in their final state rather than appreciating the foundation or the process itself.
“I want to be the CEO of a fortune 500 company!” But have you carefully considered the thousands of steps it requires to get there? “I want a big house in the country.”
“I want a Mercedes GLS 600”
“I want to own my own business”.
These are all great and achievable goals, IF you know all the steps required to achieve them… AND are willing to take them on, one-by-one, until you’ve reached your goal.
But as I always say: “The most important step is the first one.” Without it, none of the others can be realized.
My complex and sure-to-succeed videogame may very well be “all that,” but it has to start with the basic red pixel. We need to realize that there should be celebration and recognition of every step we take toward our goals–not just reaching the goal itself. If nothing else, just think of all the celebrations you will have as opposed to a single one (hopefully) some day down the road.
Many times, there is a “launch” party or celebration when a new business or idea is begun, which is GREAT…but don’t stop there. Immediately have the next step identified, planned and scheduled so you are moving forward at all times.
This does not mean, however, that you have to be constantly in motion, working like a dawg to reach your goal in unimaginably record time. Sure, be motivated, be encouraged, but don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers along the way. And be sure to be considerate of those around you helping you attain your goal (paid or not). They are people too, and everyone has their own degree of complexity in their lives; so be considerate and help them where they are.
Don’t be too focused on your own goals that you don’t also notice the small victories of those around you. The “small stuff” matters, and sometimes an encouraging word can have an incredible affect. Look for small victories and make them a big deal!
Now, go make that red pixel move!
Perfectly said. Well done.