I Ching

Ambitious undertakings are not in order now, but attention to small matters brings progress.  Such is the case of a person whose resources are meager, but who, through modesty and perseverance, rises to accomplish great things.The key to success when the small potential dominates the large scene is to avoid pretentious ambitions and grandiose goals.  The power of the small is served by slow and steady advancement, and succeeds through an honest awareness of its own limitations, without reservation.

Modesty stemming from recognizing your limitations is a fine quality, but it can be seen as weakness if it is not accompanied by conscientiousness.  It is very important, therefore, to understand the demands of your situation, and not to expect success in big things right now.  The wise person recognizes the nature of the time.  So, know your own role, carefully attend to details and act with humility, and you can achieve success even with few resources.

1. A changing first line suggests a baby bird who meets misfortune by trying to fly from the nest prematurely.  The small must attain a certain stature before making even the most preliminary advances.  A willingness to attempt difficult tasks too quickly often invites unfortunate consequences.  Stick to basics for the moment, and make security a top priority.
2. When you are denied access to those who control your fate, you have little choice but to accept the situation philosophically, while working diligently to merit notice in the future.  Restraint in difficult situations foreshadows success in the future.
3. When danger lurks, the wise take precautions, and do not consider even the smallest matters above their concern.  Attention to small, even petty, details is often what paves the way for escape during a time of crisis.  If you venture into the heart of the city at night, it pays to know the shortest, safest way out before you enter.
4. When embarking on a dangerous journey unarmed, one must remain constantly alert and on guard.  When you are in a position of weakness, restraint and caution are the order of the day.  To push ahead in such circumstance, would bring severe misfortune.
5. When assembling a team to undertake a difficult task, emphasize achievement and talent over status and reputation.  Only by assembling solid individual elements can the small be transformed into the great.  Keep the group chemistry in mind, for harmonious working relationships are essential to the success of exceptional undertakings begun with meager resources.
6. At a time when details are particularly important, returning to the comfortable ground of generalities brings misfortune.  If you attempt overly ambitious undertakings when only small opportunities present themselves, misfortune is the result.  When overshooting the mark, whether due to pride or inattention, the result is often the same: like a plane coming in for a landing with the wrong readings, you crash.  Take things a step at a time; pay attention to the details!