Inktober Day 3: Small Deeds Done

As I was flipping through one of my favorite quote books, I came across these words from Peter Marshall. Many of us remember him from his career in hosting game shows. I like how he simply stated what we all already know:

Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.

– Peter Marshall 2024

Whether we know it or not, each of us has built a brand or reputation. When we say we are gong to do something, does it happen? Or do we end up spending months talking about it and never actually doing it? Do we make excuses about why we couldn’t do what we said, or how the budget wasn’t there, or even how other things got in the way? After a couple rounds of that, people know you will never get it done…no matter how motivated you are when you talk about it. Great plans are nice, small deeds done are better.

It is the people who get things done that make life work. The ones who actually put the dishes away, read the book for book club, the ones who finish their projects and then move on to bigger and better things. As the old saying goes, talk is cheap. Those who actually get things done will win the day. And it doesn’t always have to be a huge task like painting the house, it is doing things no matter the size or scope and getting them done that matters. Each time we give ourselves an excuse or permission to delay, THAT is when our brand and reputation gets built. Eventually people stop believing us when we say we will get it done.

How do you change your brand? One thing done at a time. Say you’ll do it, then do it. Pick the kids up on time, have dinner ready when it’s dinner time, fold and put away the laundry, finish the department budget for that next meeting, make the calls, run the errands and cross those completed items off your list. And yes, no doubt, life will get in the way. Don’t let that prevent you from the person who get things done…make a plan B, then tackle that plan B! Do whatever it takes, get it done, and then relax…because you got it done!

People know who we are by our actions. Want to be reliable, get those small things done. Get the things done you said you would get done. It is how we handle small tasks that leads us to the opportunities to handle the big projects! Be the person who gets things done!