'If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Excellence in major achievements comes from consistently handling small tasks well.
- In plain terms
- Great results start with good habits in tiny matters.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultivate attention to detail daily.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What small habit could improve your work?
- How do you keep big goals in view?
Another view
Focusing only on small tasks can neglect big‑picture strategy.
More from Colin Powell
'Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off.'
Permalink to quote #16 'Every organization should tolerate rebels who tell the emperor he has no clothes.'
Permalink to quote #18 'Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible.'
Permalink to quote #15
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