Lately I’ve been watching The Bear on Hulu.
This is stellar television with the restaurant business as a backdrop. It’s raw and intense with complex characters.
I watched an episode recently where one of the characters, Richie, who is generally a pain in the butt, is sent to a three Michelin star restaurant to stage, basically like an internship, where he gets a glimpse of the inner workings of this high end establishment.
He views this assignment as a punishment and is not pleased when he is given the duty of polishing the forks for the week.
Lots more transpires while he is there, but without getting into the episode details, the real transformation is that he learns that being willing to do the little things helps you do the big things.
Polishing the forks is an important cog in the wheel of a three Michelin star restaurant and you have to start there. It’s the million little things that contribute to the big picture.
It made me think about that saying “How you do anything is how you do everything.”
This is also a helpful mindset when going after a goal, especially one that seems unattainable or feels overwhelming.
Looking to improve your health? Drink a glass of water.
Want to write a book? Start with a paragraph.
Begin with the little things and take pride in them, because they are really the big things.
Start with the forks.