Dear Friends,
That quote has sometimes been unattributed, wrongly attributed to Simon Sinek or Martha Beck, and often attributed to a Buddhist saying. Wherever it came from, it’s powerful. How you approach what you do in one area will usually be how you approach other areas. Think about it. If you are consistent, detailed and committed in your daily tasks, even minute ones, you most likely are the same in your overall work ethic. If you procrastinate, excuse your way through undone tasks, and find yourself overwhelmed easily, you probably are often in that chaotic state, maybe even saying, “That’s just how I am!” Another excuse. Because how you do anything is how you do everything.
In my speaking classes, the students who procrastinate preparing their speeches or don’t read the instructions thoroughly are the ones who struggle not only in class but in life, making excuses instead of taking responsibility. I’m sure they barely meet, or even miss, deadlines in other areas. You’ll hear them say, “Oh, the time just got away from me!” Those students who read the notifications thoroughly, acknowledge that they did, do the homework on time, show up fully and prepared, are, as you probably guessed, the ones who are thriving in life, handling any challenges head-on and enjoying successes.
The way people utilize AI has revealed some interesting insights. AI is here to stay, and there are brilliant uses for it. However, acting as if its words are yours is no different than plagiarism. If while claiming to value honesty and authenticity, you use ChatGPT to write your articles and posts without disclosing that fact, where else might that behavior show up in your life? Where else are you taking shortcuts that take you out of alignment? At least put in the effort to learn to use it in a way so amateurs like me can’t so easily identify it. How you do anything is how you do everything.
I’m not sure why I love this saying so much, because it calls me out to myself anytime I think of it. I yearn to be more consistent with positive behaviors; consistency is my constant challenge and teacher. I do enjoy using the saying “against” others, though. Isn’t that a fun habit some of us have, or is it just me? Another habit that can use some attention on my part!
What does this saying mean to you? When you apply it to your life, you might feel like I do (Whoops, busted!) or you might proudly think, “Damn right!” I hope it’s a big, “Damn right!”
With gratitude,
Amy