Master The Art of Effort

Many years ago, I came across a quote that stuck with me: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” At first, it felt a bit exaggerated—after all, does how I fold my laundry really reflect the rest of my life? But as I’ve navigated different roles, both personal and professional, I’ve come to realise that this principle carries more weight than it seems.

Whether you’re tackling a big work project, completing a small favour for a friend, or even organising your desk, the way you approach tasks reflects your habits, your mindset, and—most importantly—your values. Doing things well isn’t just about the immediate result; it’s about building a reputation, developing consistency, and shaping the person you want to be.

Why It’s Worth It

1. The Ripple Effect of Effort | Imagine the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Michelangelo spent four years lying on scaffolding, meticulously painting each detail with precision and care. It’s said that when someone asked why he was so meticulous about areas no one would see, he replied, “God will see.” That level of dedication created a masterpiece that has inspired millions.

   
   

    While most of us aren’t painting ceilings for history books, the principle remains. The small things—completed with care—set the tone for the big things. It’s often the unseen effort that makes all the difference.

   
   

2. Reliability in Action | Think of Thomas Edison, who famously said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Edison’s tireless work ethic wasn’t just about inventing the light bulb; it was about being consistent in his approach to every problem he tackled. That consistency built his legacy.

   
   

    For us, it could mean double-checking an email before hitting “send,” putting thought into a birthday card for a friend, or ensuring a presentation is clear and engaging. Small things done well build trust. Over time, trust becomes your foundation.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but where do I even start?” don’t worry—this isn’t about overcomplicating your entire life. It’s about small, manageable steps that can have a big impact.

• Prioritise Intentionality | Whatever you’re doing, pause for a moment and ask, “What’s the best way to approach this?” Even 30 seconds of intentional thought can transform how you execute a task.

  
  

• Focus on One Task at a Time | Multitasking often leads to half-done jobs. Choose one thing, give it your full attention, and do it well. You’ll feel more accomplished and confident.

  
  

• Learn from Your Heroes | Identify someone whose work you admire. What do they do differently? How do they approach their craft? Borrow those practices and make them your own.

  
  

• Celebrate the Small Wins | Folded laundry, a thoughtful text, a polished project report—acknowledge your effort, even in the smallest of tasks. The little victories build momentum.

For this coming week, you can try this: pick one task each day this week and decide to give it your best effort, no matter how small. Whether it’s preparing breakfast, finishing an assignment, or offering help to someone, approach it with care and attention to detail. Notice how it feels.

For me, I’ve found that even something as simple as preparing for a meeting—making notes, anticipating questions, and thinking of ways to add value—leaves me feeling more confident. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the intention to show up fully.

As you go through your week, remember that doing things well is more than just about the task. It’s about building trust with yourself and with others. And trust me, it’s worth it.

‘Till next time…