It’s been said that ‘no action is too small when it comes to changing the world.’
But the same sentiment can be applied to ourselves when we’re working to change for the better.
The notion that every positive action matters – no matter how seemingly miniscule – is every life coach’s battle cry, as it were. And if you consider it for a moment, it makes perfect sense.
Consider the Climate Change Movement
If you’re concerned about the state of the planet, you may feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. It may seem like taking reusable bags to the grocery store, donating a can of food once per week to the food pantry, or recycling that single plastic bottle you found on the sidewalk makes no difference at all.
You may even feel discouraged and consider scrapping all of these actions while searching for some grander gesture that will have a more sweeping impact.
Yes, while sizable and far-reaching initiatives are appealing and sometimes quite effective, the smaller actions add up. For example, if you turn off the water each time while you’re brushing your teeth, it may seem like you’re not doing much to save water. But after a month of doing this, you could easily have conserved 200 gallons of water.
So small actions definitely make a difference. It’s just that it takes longer for the bigger picture to come into view. And that takes patience.
No Action Is Too Small In Changing Ourselves
Perhaps you’re familiar with the phenomenon of the butterfly effect. It’s rooted in the notion that complex systems – such as the human brain – are sensitive to the tiniest changes. Therefore, even the smallest of actions can lead to sizable outcomes.
Unfortunately, we live in a culture that celebrates big accomplishments. And small actions can feel particularly ineffective when we’re stuck in one of life’s unavoidable ebbs. It becomes all too easy to anxiously await that elusive big thing that will bring us contentment, joy, and inner peace to take us out of the darkness.
But it doesn’t work that way. While we’re sitting around not taking any action whatsoever, we begin to atrophy. So what can you do?
1. Slow Your Roll
Are you enslaved to an overbooked schedule day after day? If so, you’ve probably forgotten to leave room for the small actions that infuse joy into your day.
Can you take time out each day to take a short walk, ride your bike, sit by some flowers (the old proverbial, stop and smell the roses), or do whatever makes you happy? Even making your bed each day is a small accomplishment that starts your day off on a good note.
Yes, work and responsibilities are essential. But committing to just a couple of small life-affirming actions each day isn’t going to jeopardize them. They’ll be there when you get back. And you’ll be in a better space to deal with them.
2. Find Ways to Give Back
Sometimes when we’re deep on our own heads, the best way to get out of it is to do something for others. It might be delivering a meal to a sick friend, walking a busy neighbor’s dog, or even just smiling at a person who’s appearing to have a bad day.
In doing so, you’re also more likely to notice small and random acts of kindness toward you which will further uplift your spirits.
3. Treat Yo’ Self!
Okay. We took that directly from Parks and Recreation. But the message is spot-on. It’s important for your mental health that you treat yourself every so often. Especially if you’re in the business of always putting everybody else before yourself.
We’re not, of course, suggesting that this be something huge and extravagant that will put you in debt and further exacerbate your problems. Again, think small splurge.
A new tool for the kitchen or workshop, an article of clothing you’ve been coveting, even an ice cream cone or a fancy coffee drink. You get to decide.
4. Be Thankful
At the end of the day, it all comes down to gratitude.
Humans are hard-wired to notice the negative. One small action you can take each day is to either physically or mentally note at least three things at the end of the day for which you are grateful. Again, these may be small things like ‘the sunrise’ or ‘petting my dog.’
When you move through life looking for the items you’ll note at the end of the day, you train yourself to see much more of the positive.
A Life Coach Can Help Keep You Accountable
There’s a Zen koan about two frogs sitting on lily pads when one decides to jump off into the water. How many are left on lily pads? Logic would dictate that there is only one. But deciding to do something and actually doing it are two different things.
You may inherently understand that no action is too small and ‘decide’ you’ll tackle the above. Yet, they can feel insurmountable when you’re struggling and feeling isolated. The good news is, you’re not alone.
This is the ideal time to seek out the services of a life coach trained to help you get out of your rut and teach you strategies to keep you moving forward. So contact us today to get started. With a few small steps, you’ll be back on track!
