E24: Aim Small, Miss Small: Why Precision Drives Performance

In this episode of Rise & Shine, I explore the idea behind the phrase “aim small, miss small.”I’ve noticed that when our targets are broad and vague, our results tend to be broad and vague as well. But when the target becomes small and precise, attention sharpens and performance improves.I talk about how this idea shows up in different areas — from professional baseball hitters focusing on the seams of the ball, to leaders walking into meetings with a single clear objective, to endurance athletes navigating difficult terrain one controlled step at a time.I also share a mental training exercise I use with athletes called “From Small to Large,” inspired by Steve Magness’s book Do Hard Things. When things get difficult and the brain starts to feel overwhelmed, this exercise helps athletes regain control by focusing first on the smallest thing they can control and gradually expanding outward.Along the way, I connect this idea to what I call the Daily Excellence Mission — the small daily acts that quietly shape who we become and how we perform.And it all comes back to a simple practice on the putting green: aiming at a quarter instead of the hole.Small targets sharpen focus.Small actions build consistency.And over time, those small daily acts add up.Aim small. Miss small.For more information about our work with athletes, recreationalists, and business leaders visit us at www.ascendhumanperformancecoaching.com.