Broaden your Horizons and Catch a Falling Star
If you look up into the night sky this week, you will have the opportunity to be star-struck by the magical workings of the universe. As you slow down, drink in the night sky and try to catch that elusive falling star, you will most definitely see one or two or twenty.
All this week, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower will be sending us about 100 pieces of burning debris each hour for our viewing pleasure. Of course, the best time to view is at night and in total darkness. Find a way to obscure the full moon and you will have a front row seat.
As you watch, you must let your eyes defocus so you can use your peripheral vision, as well as your direct line of sight to take in the whole magical show. As you reflect on the magic of looking up, let it flow into your life here on the ground.
So often, we keep our head down as we dig deep into the details. That’s your job – to evaluate, track, schedule, monitor, and control every aspect of our project. When we stay get focused on the details we get pulled in different directions with shifting priorities. There is a never-ending pressure to measure up, keep the project on track, and produce amazing results. It is no wonder that it is difficult to step back and take a wide-angled view.
With our heads down and focused on short-term results, we may look up to find that the project is no longer relevant, needed, or important enough to complete. Maybe this has already happened to you as the world placed restrictions on our movements and our interactions.
This wonderful reminder from our star-speckled sky can be a reminder for you to set aside time to ponder what is possible for you, for your project, and for the world.
Master Big Thinking
As you begin opening up this part of your brain, you will come up with more big-thinking questions, including, “What is it that I am not asking myself?”
The Big Picture and the Details are Important
Now that you have experienced the wonder of opening your vision to the majesty of the universe and let it lead you to a wide-angled view of your project, you can play the end game while executing against your day-to-day tasks.
Both types of thinking are needed to deliver your project. Neither can work in isolation. When you operate with one eye to the universe and one eye to the details, you will see opportunities to delight your customers, share the importance of the project with your team, and reinforce the reason that you do what you do. And, this will give your project the best chance of success.