In The Compound Effect Darren Hardy reveals how it’s the small, day to day, sometimes even minute to minute choices we make that alter the course of our lives. I believe it’s also those little things that can make the difference between making a day, or an experience within a day, ordinary, or outstanding.
This past weekend I was honored to receive a Quilly Award from the Academy of Best Selling Authors. It recognizes authors from independent publishers who have achieved best seller status. The event was held at the famous Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood (where the very first Academy Awards were held) and it was an evening of magic and beauty. And I was able to take it all in and be totally present, because I’d taken care of the little things.
First and foremost, I was prepared. I had taken care of every imaginable detail. The camera was charged. My dress had been altered to fit to perfection. My jewelry had been chosen weeks before. I had rehearsed my ‘red carpet’ questions. I’d gotten my nails (and toes) done the day before I left. I’d scheduled my hair appointment three weeks before I hit LA so I could have the time slot I needed at the salon that was closest. My shoes were comfortable. When we take care of the little things, the big things can just ‘fall’ into place.
Secondly, I’d rehearsed in my mind the magical moments I wanted to create. Jack Canfield, a hero of mine, was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy. I brought my precious copy of his book, The Success Principals, which is dog-eared like an old phone book, and kept seeing in my mind, me and Jack getting a chance to talk and him signing my book. I did. I saw the woman I wanted to interview me on the red carpet and how that interview would go. (It was flawless.) I imagined the way my hair would look, the way my dress would fit and the ‘image’ I would create. (It worked.)
So all those little things together added up to create an evening of magic and elegance. It so far exceeded my expectations! All those little things were in place so BIG things could happen. And did they ever. After Jack received his Lifetime Achievement Award, they were getting ready to bring out Siedah Garrett, the woman that wrote Michael Jackson’s hit song ‘The Man in the Mirror’ who was going to perform it for us. (It was one of the most amazing performances ever! Look her up on YouTube. She’s phenomenal.) And then the Academy announces, our final award tonight is for the Author of the Year. “Out of over 500 independent authors our 2012 Author of the Year is……KIM HODOUS.”
I was blown away! I was awarded Author of the Year! This one I wasn’t prepared for! I was barely even paying attention. It was magic. And in retrospect, I realize, all those little things I did up to that point made it possible. I had the book edited 5 times. I changed chapter 27 at the last minute. I used a fact checker to make sure everything was accurate. It was all those little things that made the perfect, magical moment possible.
When we take care of the little things, it’s easier for BIG things to happen!