Thu, May 28, 2009 - 8:25:41

Use the Force

image courtesy of Gamespot.com

We might not be Jedi Knights, but one thing is for certain: when it comes to thinking small, the force is with us! That’s why we just had to contribute our thoughts on Leo Babauta’s recent post on the “Art of the Small,” a Star Wars technique with which Jedis could manipulate the force in order to literally shrink their problems down to the molecular level. 

Babauta’s discussion draws on this metaphor to emphasize the importance of narrowing one’s focus in order to solve life’s biggest problems and whether you call it The Art of the Small or THE POWER OF SMALL, we know this sensible approach is the key to long term success on any scale. Whether you’re trying to get ahead in your career during this tough job market, trying to wrangle a house full of kids, or just trying to manage a hectic day at work, you can think like a Jedi to make real changes.

Unless you happen to live” long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away”, you probably can’t physically shrink your problems down to size, but don’t let that discourage you.  In order to tap into SMALL’s real power, and use the SMALL force to defeat the “dark side” of life’s biggest challenges you have to start thinking small. 

Over the years, “thinking small” has gotten a bad rap.  It used to be that thinking big was the answer—that big ideas led to big successes.  But as the old cliché goes, “God is in the details” and that’s where you’ll discover the tools to awaken your inner Luke Skywalker.  So, instead of looking at your problem head on, break it down into tiny pieces.  Use the power of visualization to slowly take it apart, bit by bit.  Close your eyes and channel your energy.  Focus on the miniscule elements that make up your bigger problem.  As you open your eyes, you’ll begin to see your problem with a whole new, “shrunken” outlook. 

You can even sharpen your focus with a few more tips:

Make a checklist: Instead of a lightsaber, let a pen become your most powerful weapon.  Imagine your hectic day and break it down into individual moments.  Write them down and check each one off as you complete them, one at a time.

Mini-task: While you should always keep your eye on the prize, the best way to reach your biggest goals is to achieve them one mini-task at a time.  For example, if your big goal is to buy a house, let your first mini-task be to save an extra $100 this month toward your down payment.

Count Down the Minutes: Having trouble getting motivated?  Try our trick for keeping ourselves on the Stairmaster, which also works for many other hard-to-complete chores.  Set a timer for five minutes.  When the timer goes off, set it for four, then three, and so on.  Before you know it, you’ve squeezed in a productive work session.

We won’t pretend our problems don’t feel overwhelming at times, but just remember that narrowing your approach will lead to the greatest rewards.  The force is with you, my friends.  So, get small and get going!

Posted by Linda and Robin