At some point, we’ve all struggled to be thorough. No matter how intelligent, skilled, educated, or hardworking you may be, you’ve stumbled over something important because you just weren’t thorough enough. There is a great equalizer that reveals our lack of attention.

We call this great equalizer – AUTOCORRECT.

You’ve been there. You type a quick message and press send knowing what you intended to say but not realizing what you actually said. For example, my wife’s name is Londa. L.O.N.D.A. I’ll frequently type, “Love you, Londa,” and press send.

She’ll respond, “Who’s Linda!?” Thanks, autocorrect.

Some autocorrects are more disturbing, “Turn off the stove when you get home…the children should be done cooking.”

“*chicken!! LOL, sorry!!”

Some autocorrects lead to great parenting moments, like when this dad texted his 15-year-old daughter, “I want to teach you to drink this weekend. Trust me, I think you’ll be great at it!”

“OMG DRIVE! Not drink!”

“Wow, Dad! I was excited for a moment.”

Sometimes not being thorough leads to unexpected revelations.

“How’s our pregnant little daughter?”

“MOM!!!! HOW DID YOU KNOW?”

“I meant ‘precious.’ Sorry, typo…WAIT WHAT!?”

Thoroughness is the art of managing details. It’s understanding that big things come from small beginnings. It’s seeing beauty in the forest and the trees. Thoroughness is the determination to invest time and energy to give your best to your most modest, and possibly your most mundane, moments. People who are thorough recognize that every great victory comes from a systematic series of step-by-step choices. You are where you are today because of the choices you made yesterday, and where you go tomorrow is determined by the choices you make today.

You’re one small step away from a life filled with regret or the life you’ve always wanted.

To be thorough is to give your last 10%. It’s driving the ball 99 yards down the field and not stopping until you put it in the end zone.

Thoroughness is related to thoughtfulness. I see you. I see the need. And I’m willing to do what it takes to serve you in a way that exceeds your expectations.

So today, make time to be thorough. Check your texts. Do the last 10%. And celebrate every small step on the road to the life you’ve always wanted.