BS – How you do anything is how you do everything is BS.
“how you do anything is how you do everything” is often used to describe the idea that our habits and behaviors in one area of our lives tend to carry over into other areas. For example, if we are hardworking and conscientious in our job, we are likely to be the same way in our relationships and personal hobbies. Conversely, if we are careless or irresponsible in one area of our lives, it is likely to show up in other areas as well.
Why the quote is a load of crap:
While the quote “how you do anything is how you do everything” contains some surface level truth, it is important to remember that we are complex beings with many different facets to our personalities. It is possible to be highly successful and disciplined in one area of our lives, while still struggling in others.
For example, someone who is really good at conflict resolution with residents may not be so great at documenting the interaction in the property management software . So is this person an asset or a liability?
(I can also tell you that I’m a pretty good endurance athlete but I’m not that great at lawn care. I just don’t care about it and I would rather hire it out. My wife on the other hand finds it relaxing to work in the yard and cultivate her flower garden, it brings her peace. She focuses on things she is good at and I focus on things that I am good at. We don’t worry about having to be good at things that we are not passionate about.)
So, If how I do anything is how I do everything am I a good runner and therefore a good landscaper? Or, since I am not a good landscaper am I also not a good runner? I think the quote leads us to think that we need to put the same time and effort into our weaknesses as our strengths and I would rather focus on honing my strengths and hiring out or delegating things that I’m not so good at.
A student who is excellent in math and science may struggle with English and history.
A talented athlete who is highly competitive on the field may be shy and introverted in social situations.
A person who is always on time and prepared for work may be frequently late and disorganized at home.
While the quote “how you do anything is how you do everything” is a good reminder to be mindful of our habits and behaviors, it is also important to remember that we are complex beings with many different sides to our personalities. Our behavior can be influenced by a variety of factors, and we should not judge ourselves or others too harshly based on their performance in one area of their lives.
