Brick By Brick: Doing Unexceptional Things Exceptionally Well & For An Exceptional Duration of Time

Success in business often boils down to consistent effort and perseverance. It’s not about making grand gestures or occasional intense efforts, but rather about doing the mundane tasks exceptionally well over a long period. This approach, which I refer to as the “Brick by Brick” method, emphasizes the power of steady, incremental progress.

The Value of Consistency

Consistency Over Intensity

One of the key principles of the “Brick by Brick” approach is that consistency trumps intensity. Imagine tackling a task at 80% intensity every single day. Over time, this steady effort will yield far better results than pushing yourself to 150% intensity sporadically. The idea is to maintain a sustainable pace, allowing for continuous progress without burnout.

This principle can be seen in the world of sports. Consider baseball legends like Ted Williams or Joe DiMaggio. Their greatness wasn’t defined by a single, exceptional at-bat but by their ability to consistently perform at a high level. Day in and day out, they honed their craft, focusing on repetition and steady improvement. This consistency is what set them apart and allowed them to achieve remarkable success.

The Power of Repetition

Repetition is a crucial element of mastering any skill. In business, just as in sports, it is the continuous, repeated actions that lead to excellence. The best performers are those who commit to their craft, continually refining and improving through practice. This concept is embodied by the “Brick by Brick” approach, where each small, consistent effort builds upon the last, creating a solid foundation for success.

Take, for instance, the process of building a business. It’s not the occasional big wins that sustain a company, but the daily, unremarkable tasks done exceptionally well. This could be anything from managing customer relationships, refining operational processes, to innovating on products. Each task, though seemingly mundane, contributes to the overall growth and stability of the business.

Winning By Not Quitting

Long-term Commitment

Perseverance is another critical component of the “Brick by Brick” philosophy. In any field, competition tends to winnow out over time. Many people start strong but eventually give up or get distracted. By maintaining a long-term commitment, you naturally outlast many of your competitors.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my business. Friends sometimes express discouragement when they see competitors enjoying leisure activities. However, I see it differently. Each day a competitor spends away from their business is a day they aren’t building their foundation. Over time, those who remain focused and committed to their goals inevitably pull ahead.

The Brick-by-Brick Approach

The “Brick by Brick” approach is about focusing on incremental progress. Each small effort adds up, gradually building a strong, stable structure. This method isn’t glamorous, but it is highly effective. It’s about doing the unremarkable tasks remarkably well, day after day, year after year.

When we work with clients, we often ask for their “Brick by Brick” story. How did they build their business? The common thread in these stories is always consistency and perseverance. Successful business owners share tales of hard work, sacrifices, and relentless focus. They faced what seemed like insurmountable competition, but over time, their steadfast efforts paid off as competitors fell by the wayside.

Applications & Conclusion

Real-Life Business Applications

Applying the “Brick by Brick” method to business involves several key practices. First, it’s essential to set realistic, achievable goals and work towards them consistently. This might mean dedicating a set amount of time each day to specific tasks, ensuring that progress is made incrementally but steadily.

Second, it’s important to embrace repetition. Whether it’s refining your sales pitch, improving your product, or enhancing customer service, continuous practice and improvement are vital. Each repetition builds on the last, leading to cumulative growth and improvement.

Lastly, maintaining a long-term perspective is crucial. Understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of countless small efforts compounded over time. Stay committed to your goals, even when progress seems slow or setbacks occur. Remember that each small step forward is a brick added to your foundation.

Conclusion

The “Brick by Brick” philosophy emphasizes the importance of consistent, incremental effort in achieving long-term success. By focusing on doing unexceptional things exceptionally well over an extended period, you can build a strong, stable foundation for your business. This approach requires discipline, perseverance, and a long-term perspective, but the rewards are well worth the effort.