You know, that idea “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way” is one of those quiet powerhouses. It’s not about waiting for a grand opportunity; it’s about making your current moment grand through sheer quality of effort. It reframes success from an event to a daily practice.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
The core message is about shifting your focus from the *scale* of your actions to the *quality* of your execution. It’s a philosophy of excellence, no matter the task.
Explanation
Look, we all get hung up on the big wins, the massive breakthroughs. But what Hill is really getting at—and I’ve seen this play out so many times—is that mastery is built in the mundane. It’s the barista who remembers your name and gets your order perfect every single time. That’s a small thing done in a great way. And that consistency, that pride in your work, no matter how seemingly insignificant? That’s what actually builds a reputation. That’s what makes people trust you with bigger things later. It’s about the energy you bring, not just the task itself.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Personal Development (697) |
| Topics | effort (77), excellence (24), focus (155) |
| Literary Style | aphoristic (181) |
| Emotion / Mood | uplifting (157) |
| Overall Quote Score | 85 (305) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one comes straight from Napoleon Hill’s 1928 foundational work, The Law of Success, published in the United States. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to others, but its true home is in Hill’s lessons on the importance of a Pleasant Personality and going the extra mile.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Napoleon Hill (84) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Law of Success (47) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) wrote influential books on achievement and personal philosophy. After interviewing industrialist Andrew Carnegie, he spent years studying the habits of top performers, which led to The Law of Success and the classic Think and Grow Rich. Hill taught and lectured widely, promoting ideas like the Master Mind, definite purpose, and persistence. He collaborated with W. Clement Stone and helped launch the Napoleon Hill Foundation to preserve and extend his teachings. His work continues to shape self-help, entrepreneurship, and success literature.
| Official Website | Facebook | X| Instagram | YouTube
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1928; ISBN: 978-1-956134-21-1; Latest Edition: 2021, 1104 pages. |
| Where is it? | Lesson 4: Habit of Saving, Approximate page from 2021 edition: 140 |