“I believe in the basics:
Attention to and perfection of, tiny details that might be commonly over-looked.
They may seem trivial, even laughable, but they aren’t.
They are fundamental to progress,
They are the difference between champions and near-champions.”
– John Wooden, 1910-2010,
Coached UCLA to Ten NCAA titles
I find the last line fascinating:
Details are the difference between champions and near-champions.
I.e. you can come close, very close, to the top, to being the best
Without the extra effort of paying attention to the tiny details.
Which is why a lot of folks don’t…
For them, close is good enough.
BUT you are highly unlikely to consistently be the BEST.
(Wooden’s teams won TEN national titles in 12 years)
So: Who Are You?
What are YOUR Standards?
Paying attention to detail
Isn’t really about working harder or longer
Though at times you may.
It’s about working smarter,
Going to the balcony more often.
Taking a more disciplined, focused approach.
Closing Quotes:
“It’s attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.” – Francis Atterbury, 1663-1732
“Success in any endeavor requires single-minded attention to detail and total concentration.” – Willie Sutton, 1901-1980, bank robber
“There is the flash in the pan, the sudden success. But continued success is dependent upon tremendous attention to detail.” – Frederick Lenz, 1950-1998
“Attention to detail can’t be (and never is) added later. It’s an entire development philosophy, methodology, and culture.” – Marco Arment, Tumblr Chief Tech Officer
“A man’s accomplishments in life are the cumulative effect of his attention to detail.” – John Foster Dulles, 1888-1959, Secretary of State under Dwight D. Eisenhower
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier