How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything

Lessons In How You Show Up

As we close the book on 2017, I wanted to reflect on the year and the journey of life thus far. Upon this reflection, I learnt the true meaning of something I’ve somewhat known for a long time. 

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When I first started coaching, one of the statements that was drummed into me continually was this:

"How you do one thing is how you do everything."

Upon reflection, I’ve realised that this year, I experienced a scenario that finally cemented in me the importance of that statement and the impact living with this philosophy has had on where I am right now. It also wraps a nice little bow around the year, so hopefully, you’ll allow me to indulge in my reflections.

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I recently attended a networking breakfast. The room was filled with business owners from various backgrounds. As I sat down at my table, I introduced myself to the people around me. I was about to introduce myself to an impressive-looking man when the meeting started.

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I know what you’re asking now. 

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Impressive in what way? 

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He was a tall man dressed in a well-fitting three-piece suit. He had a presence, an air about him that said, ‘I’ve got this’. I initially thought I needed to talk to this man and learn more about his business.  

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I say initial thoughts because they changed very dramatically not long after breakfast was served… 

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The man hadn’t complied with the café’s system, so the waiter was unsure she would deliver the correct breakfast. She asked to confirm his order. 

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His impatient reply was this: 

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‘I don’t know… What did I order.’ 

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This was a pretty silly question, given the room had about 50 people. After a bit of confusing repertoire involving his disgust that salmon didn’t magically appear on his plate (without specifically ordering it), the waitress put the plate down in front of him.

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The seat next to him and in front of me was spare, which was probably a good thing given he threw the plate frisbee-style into the middle of the table (there’s no exaggeration here, people!). 

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‘Okaaay,’ I thought with raised eyebrows. ‘Here we go…’

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I thought his act of protest might have finished there, but no… This was the mere canapé to the degustation that followed.

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A few minutes later, in an act of further defiance, he started to dramatically and quite violently stab the yokes of the eggs. The yoke went everywhere, including very close to me. I looked down on my crisp white shirt to ensure I didn’t have any eggs on me. He didn’t even acknowledge the near miss of the yoke on my person.

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You’d think that would be enough… 

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But no. He wasn’t finished.

He continued to huff and puff, going back to stab at things and move bits of spinach around the plate without any intention of eating. 

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As you can imagine, my initial thoughts about connecting with this man disappeared quickly. My next thought was, ‘This petulant child must act this way whenever he doesn’t get his own way’. 

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My following thoughts were even more important:

"There’s no way in heaven or hell I’d introduce this person to any of my contacts, EVER. My reputation is far too important."

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And that’s when it hit me. How you do one thing is how you do everything. Why did he seem to not care about his own reputation in front of a complete stranger?

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So, as we move into reflection and resolution mode, I’d love you to ask yourself some questions that will set a higher standard for yourselves in 2018. 

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What are the things you did or didn’t do that represent you and your business in a way that if someone were to write a blog about it, you’d be embarrassed? What key standards need to shift so you’ll have the life, relationships, and business that inspires you, excites you, and gives you the courage to take your life to the next level in 2018?

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What needs to change NOW so you have the life you want?

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Remember:

" How you do one thing is how you do everything."

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Thank you to everyone who has supported me personally and my business in 2017 and before. My gratitude towards the people who have touched my life fulfils me more than I can express, and for that, I have immense gratitude and thanks every day, particularly at this time of year.