My macro micro level thinking are somewhat opposites in application.
Macro is large-scale; overall.
The big picture.
Micro involves minute quantities or variations.
Focusing on smaller details.
When it comes to the big picture, I am optimistic.
For smaller details, I am pessimistic.
Well, it’s not really pessimistic – more being aware of what could go wrong, erring towards Murphy’s Law which states:
“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
Is that “pessimistic”? Let’s take a look…
A Macro Micro Level Thinking Application
I love flying and international travel. I’m now in Istanbul Airport, having come from Izmir, on my way back to Australia.
My macro-level thinking: I believe I will get to my final destination, Sydney, and get through customs to meet my dad who will pick me up.
My micro-level thinking:
- I could have forgotten some important documents before I leave;
- I could leave my phone or passport somewhere or it could fall out of my pocket;
- I might not have prepared everything to satisfy Covid requirements;
- There might be a delay with my domestic flight before boarding my international flight
- There might be confusion with my two passports and which one I used to book my flights
- Someone in customs might just be having a bad day and will choose to make things difficult
[Note: The plane crashing is not one of my micro-level concerns.]
It’s not that I’m stressing out and an emotional wreck. I just want to identify what I can and cannot control. This allows me to be mindful of anxiety in a practical way, which helps to alleviate it.
What You Can And Cannot Control
Macro-Level Thinking Controls:
I believe I will get to my final destination but if I don’t then there must be some reason (I don’t mean factually – often/actually there is no reason – I mean subjectively) and I will roll with the punches.
What I can control is imagining and amplifying the good feelings I will have once I get into Dad’s car.
It’s a kind of manifestation meditation.
Micro-Level Thinking Controls:
- I double-checked all the documents I would need and double-checked again, then asked my beautiful wife, Ece, to quiz me again;
- I wore trousers with zipped pockets to keep my phone secure and any time I get up and/or move around, I double-check I have everything either in my pockets or backpack;
- I double-checked the Covid requirements and planned all required appointments months ago plus I made sure our printer was working;
- I booked a domestic flight that would arrive in Istanbul 4 hours before my international flight to avoid any delay-issues;
- All Covid requirements, booking of tickets and Australian declaration forms were filled out with one passport – the other as well as my Turkish work permit are with me in case customs ask;
- I smile and am overly co-operative with any flight/customs staff.
Macro Micro Conclusion
Of course, there could be many other things that could go wrong. In that case, ignorance is bliss and all bets are off! 🙂
Whatever macro micro level thinking you adopt, it has to match your personality. And the only way to really know what is appropriate is to be mindful.
