Detail
de·tail
The small things that make the big things work. Detail is care you can see.
Another way of seeing it
People rarely remember the big gestures as clearly as the small ones: the note in the lunchbox, the name remembered, the extra check before hitting send. Attention to detail isn't fussiness. It's a form of respect, for the work, for the people receiving it, and for yourself.
In relationships
Remember the little things people tell you (their coffee order, their sister's name, the date of the big appointment) and bring them up later. It makes people feel truly known.
In the ordinary day
Before you send, submit or hand over one thing today, check it one more time. Then fix the small thing you find.
A question to sit with
What small detail could make a big difference to someone today?
Carry this with you
The little things are the big things.
Where it comes from
From the French détailler, to cut into pieces. Paying attention to detail is looking at the small pieces that make the whole.
Try this today
Give one ordinary task your full care today.
Journal prompts for Detail
- What small detail have I been rushing past?
- Where would a little more care make a real difference?
- Where am I perfecting what doesn't matter?
Did this word resonate with you today?
Know someone who might need this word?