Why The ‘Little Things’ Matter
Sometimes the smallest and tiniest things cause some of the biggest and most far-reaching results. This article is about why the little things ‘really do matter’.
The ‘butterfly effect’ is based on a theory that the smallest changes can cause very large consequences in another place in time and space, even from great distances. Edward Lorenz is associated with this term due to his theory and metaphorical example of the forming of a tornado being directly influenced by tiny movements of a butterfly’s wings at a distance several weeks earlier.
The focus of this article is not just on ‘small’ things, but on ‘small’ things that can have ‘life-changing’ effects. How many times have you experienced someone smile at you during your day only to feel your mood change for the rest of the day? An action which can take minimal effort has the potential to change hours of a person’s day for the better.
Life-Changing Stories
Have you heard of any life-changing stories where someone intervened and prevented another from taking their life, by doing something seemingly small and yet had life-saving consequences? There was a girl who was deeply dismayed to the point that she decided to take her life. She prayed along the lines of, ‘God if you are real and you love me, then let someone show me kindness today.’ She had planned to take her life when that day a boy at school felt strongly impressed to ask her how she was doing. The boy didn’t really want to be seen with her but decided to talk to her anyway. She started crying and shared what she had planned to do with the boy. The boy’s small act of kindness saved her life that day and prevented a great tragedy.
Problems in one’s life, the life of a loved one or even bigger problems in the world at large (such as world hunger, child slavery or human trafficking) can feel completely overwhelming at times. Yet many ‘world-changing events’ had their origin as a thought or action that started as something so small that it was said to be inconsequential or that it wouldn’t amount to anything.
You have the ability to create massive changes in someone’s life by showing small and simple acts of kindness. The greatest of all oak trees started with a ‘tiny acorn’ that was planted in the ground, and grew to great heights; some can even overshadow a tall building.
You could help ‘save the destiny’ of the next ‘cancer curing doctor’ by a simple act of empathy or the next ‘famous inventor’ who helps provide solutions for clean water in a third world country (and who could save hundreds or thousands of lives). There is immense potential in every human being and many have not had the encouragement, nurturing and love needed to push them forward into expressing their special gift with others. One person could be part of helping someone else unleash their potential by simple acts of encouragement which could have monumental consequences.
Sending a kind note to someone, smiling at someone passing by, buying someone a warm meal or drink, visiting someone in need of support or someone experiencing depression can all have far-reaching consequences in someone’s life which could propel them towards greatness. Some people are suffering in tremendous ways simply from lack of anyone showing them any love, attention or concern. A weekly meeting with someone in need can change their life by someone showing them that they are valuable.
You may change a life and thereby impact tens, hundreds, thousands or millions of lives by influencing just one person. Think of a person who reaches thousands of people online via their YouTube channel – in like manner, consider an organization that saves many lives by helping children at risk.
Small steps which are taken at the right time, and in the right way, can have a cascade effect. Many people feel that they need to do something really big in order for success to occur, but many times success involves small steps taken consistently in order for significant and long term progress. Every time Einstein sat down to work on a problem or theory, to read a book or paper he was taking a small step closer to the great discoveries that he was going to make.
People have been known to accomplish far-reaching goals just by taking small steps on a daily basis. The final, big goal involved many small and minute actions which may have been seen as a waste at the time, but when taken together were crucial to the end result. Writing that one paragraph for your book, reading that one chapter before you sleep, going to one more interview or even starting with one pushup every day will eventually lead to the desired accomplishment.
Every person who has made a great impact in history had people who encouraged, helped, nurtured or aided them in some form along the way. Some of the most famous people in history may not have accomplished what they did if one person along the line didn’t help them at a critical point in their journey.
Who knows how many people could be impacted by small actions of love that one shows to another on a consistent basis! One act of love could literally ‘change the world’ – even if it starts small and seems to only affect one person. You can be a world-changer; your actions matter more than you may know.
Below are some "small" things that have the potential to make big changes in people's lives and in the world around you:
– buying products from companies that support, employ and help those who have survived injustice, abuse, human trafficking, disasters, etc.
– volunteer or support organizations who help orphans, the elderly, and those affected by poverty, etc.
– smile at people;
– genuinely compliment people and look for ways to encourage people;
– buy a warm drink for someone;
– send someone a kind message;
– show appreciation to people who serve (such as those who clean restrooms, waiters, security guards, etc.);
– encourage a friend or family member;
– offer to babysit a child/children of a single mom or couple who need a break (you may need experience in this area);
– leave a couple of dollars in a place with a kind note;
– gather spare clothing (new or good quality used items) to give away to those in need;
– buy two of something to give to someone who may not be able to afford something you know that would bless them;
– give someone a hug (always be sure that this is something that this person would want);
– invite someone to participate in an event (especially those who are not invited by others);
– visit someone who is having a hard time;
– offer to help someone with some errands;
– apologize for things you may have done or said to hurt someone (making up for things is very important because someone could be suffering due to wrongdoing and your apology may change their life);
– make a meal/dessert or bake something nice for someone;
– participate in an event to raise money for a particular cause;
– do something special [for no particular reason] for someone to make them feel valued;
– offer to help a single mother or father who has their hands full
– show appreciation to family members and friends for things such as ‘washing the dishes’, ‘cleaning the house’, ‘gardening’ and other ‘everyday’ things that make life better for everyone;
– give someone some flowers or a small gift just to show them that you are thankful for them
– if you have children, consider taking them on ’special dates’ once in a while to show ‘special attention’ to each child
– send someone a happy birthday note, and/or gift as you may be the only person who shows them kindness on that day