Expectations—we all have them from a very early age, yet many of us don’t learn how to set and manage them, if at all, until well into adulthood.

From the child whose birthday wishes are never quite fulfilled, to the spouse who always feels as if he/she is the one who’s giving more, to the manager whose team never seems to get it quite right—the expectations we set for ourselves and those around us have the power to influence our success and satisfaction in life.

Because expectations have such far-reaching, powerful consequences in every area of your life, I’m excited to share with you some of the best advice I’ve ever learned when it comes to setting proper expectations for yourself, those around you, and those you lead…read more

Author: Gerrid Smith (Todd’s 24 year old son)

Six years ago, when I graduated from high school, I had no clue exactly what I wanted to do with my life—but I knew I was an entrepreneur. Because I knew college wasn’t for me at this time, I decided to spend the next year researching every possible business that might be a fit for me. I attended conferences and business seminars to expose me to the world of entrepreneurs.

My first two business attempts failed, but I learned much from these adventures. During my researching, I learned about Search Engine Optimization (also referred to as SEO). SEO is the art and science of getting websites to rank well in the search engines. It’s a form of Internet marketing and it’s very effective when used properly. I started my own firm and haven’t looked back since…read more

I have heard many powerful quotes during my life, however, there is one that I continue to replay in my mind over and over again. Jim Rohn, my mentor, said, “Success comes from a series of good decisions made over time while failure comes from a series of bad decisions made over time.” The reason I continue to replay that quote is because of its significance.

If you want to live a successful life both personally and professionally, you absolutely must take pride in your decisions. These decisions include everything from the little decisions you make throughout each day as described in Our Lives Are a Mirror Image of the Little Decisions We Make to the big decisions outlined in How to Make a Critical Decision, which includes how Bill Clinton used a mastermind team…read more

Coach John Wooden, arguably the most successful college basketball coach, died last Friday at the age of 99. Under his leadership, U.C.L.A. won 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, 7 back-to-back national titles and 88 consecutive games. In 1973, he was the first person to be honored by the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. Known as the Wizard of Westwood, Wooden preferred to be called “coach.”

Wooden’s death has sparked a flurry of articles and blog posts paying tribute to the giant for his accomplishments and teachings both on and off the basketball court. Many of his guiding principles have been the subject of my lessons here on Little Things Matter and one is particularly consistent with the overall theme. “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” I thought it only fitting then that today’s post be dedicated to the memory of John Wooden…read more

Time to mix it up a bit. Since my post for today Building Rapport By Making Others Feel Comfortable was accidently sent out on Saturday (Oops!), I am going to throw something different at you.

Today I am going to give you a little insight into the thinking I put into my projects.  I am convinced that the fastest way to achieve any goal is to have a plan. The larger the goal, the more thought and time you must put into your plan.

I have learned over the years that 95% of all the people who take on large projects don’t have a clear strategy to accomplish their goals. It’s no wonder they don’t achieve them…read more

We live in a world where it is rare for people to compliment and encourage others.  Take a moment to think about your interactions in the last month. I bet you are like most people; you can count your compliments and acknowledgements on one hand.

My straightforward advice then is for you fill those shoes yourself. Don’t depend on others to be your cheerleader. You need to become your greatest fan and supporter.

As you are learning in all of my lessons, there are hundreds of little things that go into achieving your personal best.  You just cannot reasonably expect others to know all the little things you are doing each day and recognize you for them…read more