Small Movements Matter
Bud / 
47 Comments / 
May 12th, 2010 / 
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Have you ever considered if what you’re doing matters? Have you questioned the impact you have on the people around you? Do you lay awake wondering if you’re making humanity better as a whole? I know I have. In fact, I’ve spent a sickening amount of time thinking just how much influence we have.
Think about the people you know, the people you love and respect. Chances are, you know of someone who is making a huge difference in what they do. I can name a few people I know who are currently “crushing it”, and changing the world in ways I can’t even begin to comprehend. At first glance, it may seem these amazing stories of people leading movements, is far beyond what you’re capable of. But what if I were to tell you honestly, that you can have just as big of an impact?
Here’s the reality: Your presence here on earth is far more than you’ll ever know. I’m not saying that to make you feel good about yourself, or give you a false sense of power. Really, whether you accept it or not, you’re changing the course of humanity. The degree to which you do so it entirely up to you.
Big change, small movement, it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that you move. Challenge people to question the rules. Stretch people to live. Encourage people to find meaning in their life. Express your passion and love to breathe. Don’t wait to hit a homerun when a single will bring home the winning run.
Small movements aren’t about being perfect. Perfect isn’t real.
You Matter:
Far too often we think we need a ton of money , extensive portfolio, or fancy title before we can start making a difference. Don’t waste a second thinking that’s the case. To make a difference all you need is a flame, and the good news is, that flame comes from within.
People often ask me why at just 18 years old I’m “qualified” to write about personal development. The truth is, I’m not different than many of my readers. I have dreams, and I make my fair share of mistakes. I often come up short, and am far from perfect. I’m “qualified” because I write about what I know. I write about what’s true, and more often than not people can relate. The only difference between me and many of my wonderful readers is I took a chance.
It’s simple to forget how easily we can change the world. Small movements start with small deeds.
* Run a bath for your loved one who just had a rough day at work.
* Write a personal note to someone you love, with a pen not an email.
* Send a birthday card with stamps.
* Hold the door for someone.
* Listen to someone.
* Ask someone how there day was and really listen.
* Live your passion, nothing is more inspiring than seeing the light in someone.
* Share personal stories and the lessons you learned.
* When having a conversation with someone see them for who they really are.
* Give secretly.
* Stop a rumor.
* Forgive someone.
While this list is small and not complete, don’t underestimate the power of one small action, you never know how far you kind deed will go. Recently while writing at Starbucks, I overheard a girl working talk about how poorly her week had been going. As the store was closing, I left a note on the table wishing that her week would get better. I didn’t expect anything in return, yet needless to say I’m confident the note brought a smile to her face.
Kindness doesn’t cost a dime.
Accept Your Influence
Knowing that you can make a difference in the world is sometimes scary to accept. To realize you can literally alter the path of the world is nerve racking. Yet it’s important to accept the influence you own.
You don’t have to have the audience of Oprah to make people wake up to who they really are. You don’t have to be a best selling author to impact people with your words. You don’t have to have a nobel peace prize to radiate peace with every step you take.
Your painting can bring a smile to someone’s face. Your poetry can lift someone out of a deep slump. Your passion for design can lead to the construction of a magnificent building. Ignore the universal voice that says you don’t matter, and instead tune into the station that says you do. Don’t let the noise of the world drown the voice of dreams.
The biggest realization I’ve had over the past few years is this: You create change. You create relationships. You make the world a better place. Action is the worlds greatest currency.
If you choose to remain passive in how you live, you still have an impact. If you choose to remain quiet on issues that drive you, that too influences humanity.
I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but we often forget that everything, I do mean everything, starts small. Accept that you have more influence than you give yourself credit for.
Making A Difference
I receive many emails, from people telling me how much they want to make a difference. And it bothers me that many of them won’t. Not because they can’t or don’t have what it takes, but because they forget that that moving matters. They let their fears defeat them before they even take off.
Dreaming big is important but dreams only become reality when you move. You can’t hit a home run if you don’t swing. Yet so many people sit waiting for the perfect pitch and in the process strike out.
Far too often we think that because we are a “nobody” we can’t better humanity. Can you say myth? With the world as connected as it is, helping just one person can potentially affect the lives of thousands.
Don’t buy that notion that because you don’t have thousands of followers on twitter or a popular blog you can’t better the world. Every step you take is a stepping stone for a better planet.
Making a difference, big or small, matters now more than ever. Believe it.
Just Move
Create a small movement. Show your excitement. Share your fears. Drop your excuses on why you can’t change the world. If you hold back, fear wins.
By the end of your life, your presence has the potential to impact thousands of people. Don’t let your current situation prevent you making that difference today.
As with most things in life: it’s not can you make a difference but instead: Will you?
Do you even realize how much difference you can make? I’d love to hear the small ways in which you make this world a better place.
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
Very well said and well written. We don’t know how our actions affect people and in ways we cannot even imagine. That’s why, we need to be constantly taking actions that promote instead of detract from the “common good.” We will atone for every last word and deed so we had better make them great – especially the small ones!
I try to radiate the hope and love that is within me to all with whom I come in contact. In public, its easier. With family it can sometimes be quite hard to live your life as a witness to the hope and joy that is within me. I have to remember that I have the most profound impact on my family, especially my children (my second, John Paul was born yesterday!!!) Everything I say and do is imprinted on their little brains and it’s good in and good out or bad in and bad out.
Thanks for the comment Adam. You’re right man. Being the best person we can be is a never ending job.
Hey Bud,
Fantastic article! I really loved this one, probably the best I’ve read from you!
This is something I see as the way to change the world. If enough people think like this and all bring their part to make the world better, we can change starting from right now.
What if everyone stopped wasting, stopped polluting, reduced their energy consumption and helped to preserve and clean up the environment. What is it going to take for everyone to change?
I think we need to create a massive inspirational video and concept that is going to change the world:)
Cheers!!!
Hey man. Thanks a bunch.
Your comment showed up in the spam folder again. Weird.
As far as the video goes: Let’s do it!!
I agree with your thoughts here; I would add don’t do things with the expectation of others noticing and rewarding you (even verbally). Do what you can even if you’re the only one that knows about it.
And as someone whose children are older than you, just because one gets older doesn’t mean you get wiser!!
Rewarding ourselves internally is something we often forget to do. So frequently, we fail victim to chasing the reward of being a “good person” in society, when in reality our self worth comes from within.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t like a bit of recognition every now and then, but at the end of the day I’m interested in how I perceive myself.
It’s important to question our motivation for why we are doing a good deed. Is it to be held in a better light? Or could you do it without anything knowing?
Thanks for the comment David.
I think I make a difference by focusing on the small things . . . smiling at the checkout person, picking up the trash someone left behind, opening the door when someone is struggling with an arm full of bags. These are little things, yet they make someone’s day easier, and they in turn will likely be kinder to those around them. I try to focus on the small things in my writing too. Rather than tackle deep topics requiring a lot of research, I often focus on the simple, day-to-day experiences we all share so that the average person can put something to use right away. Sort of like this post!
Glad to hear Jean. Assuming you’re consistent it’s inevitable for small change to grow to a larger scale.
Try taking a complex topic and making it simple. That will challenge you to grow as a writer.
Bud,
Interesting take on things. I think we often underestimate the impact of small actions. Big results, big change, and big movements are nothing more than the byproduct of small things done over an extended time period. I love the idea of “action is the world’s greatest currency.” No doubt about that.
Hey Sri! Thanks for the comment man. Haven’t seen you around here in a while! You’re right , massive change is small change matured.
When you’re looking to make a difference open an account at the action bank.
Hey Bud! I really love this post. Simple, concise, eloquent… and powerful. There is something about the way it is written that makes me WANT to move – incredible call to action.
The point I’m missing from it is that I don’t feel like JUST movement is always enough. Movement will always propel you in a given direction, but it is just the first step. Once you’re moving, shouldn’t you also take the time to direct which way you’re moving? To direct which type of difference you’ll make?
I love the message that we are all important, for we truly are. I think the reality that we’ll never know the impact we truly have is important to remember. How you live, love, act and what you say directly impact others in ways that you’ll never know. But they still do… so it’s important to keep moving
Really glad to hear that Jonathan. Really. I felt particularly inspired to write this article so I’m glad it shows.
Stop feeling man. Just do. I promise that if you’re consistent your effort will pay off. That isn’t to say there won’t be bumps in the road or that you don’t need to constantly check your path. But planning is worthless if you don’t get your feet off the ground first.
Feel free to email me mate if you need some clarification.
Nice Bud.
Yeah man – small gestures really add up. I bloody love the simple ones – holding doors open, helping people with heavy bags, helping my mates with their mindset, listening to people who just want a rant. Anything little which makes people smile.
We all underestimate how much these gestures can change someone’s day – and then (naturally) the days of the people THEY then run into. It’s a glorious circle of prosperity
Good stuff on the call to action too. Peeps should simply start small in doing what they want. So what if you only make a difference to one person? That’s friggin’ awesome!!
Reminds me of that parable about the chick who is throwing starfishes washed up onto the shore back into the sea. There’s thousands of the fuckers. It’s a grim situation. A dude approaches her, and says “why bother? You’ll never make a difference”.
Chick throws one single starfish back into the sea; looks at the dude sagely, and says: “made a difference to that one”.
Boom.
Good stuff Bud. Go do yo’ thang peeps!!
Carl you’re the man dude. Checked out your blog today. Killer stuff my man.
P.S Starfish story is one of my favorite stories hands down. Let’s catch up soon bro.
Hear, hear, Bud! All of us are capable of making the world a better place, but as you state “The only difference between me and many of my wonderful readers is I took a chance.”. Taking that risk of putting yourself out there means that you can have a bigger impact on people’s lives.
Nothing wrong with just impacting those immediately around you though. Doing something small for someone else each day can have a huge impact on them (and on you). What we give, we receive.
Karen
Karen.. Thanks for your comment.
In no way was I trying to make it seem like I’m better than anyone. You’re right there is nothing wrong with helping people around you, in fact that’s the perfect place to start.
The bottom line is this: You can make humanity a shade lighter when all seems dark.
Hope all is well.
So true!
I noticed that in my dealing with my customers for our tie dye clothing. We sell these pieces but we still get plenty of inquiries on how we do these amazing pattern, colors, etc, or the occasional student who want to use some pictures for a school project. These are definitely no potential customers but I always take the time to answer those inquiries to the best of my abilities. Just making a difference in online customer support has brought us so much joy and the added benefit that I did not have to fake any of the testimonials on the web site .
Good point Merlin. Making the extra effort does take a bit of extra work, but think of the end result.
Very nice article Bud, great job.
You mentioned very important issues. We can affect someone by giving a smile to them when they are feeling down. We all affect and get affected by others. The issue is that many people don’t even think about the small movements they can make to help someone and to help themselves. The more we help people, the more God will help us
Awesome post Bud
Thanks so much man. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hey Bud,
You’re right on on this:
“Action is the world’s greatest currency.”
If we keep moving, we win in life. Why? Means we’re not dead yet.
Excited to see what you in the upcoming year man.
Hey Bud! How are you doing buddy? What a good post, and I definitely agree with your words. People often let fear dictate their future, which is tragic. I respect you and your writing.
All the best,
Parker
I’m doing great man. School just finished up for the summer. More importantly, how are you?
I’m doing great. This blog is killing me! All I do is read, write, read, and more writing all day long–for the past couple of weeks now.
I got Danny Cooper to work on my site, it’s almost up! I’m written a guest post for Steve Aitchison’s Blog, and currently working on getting on Dragos. So things are going steady, hopefully all this work will pay off. So I definitely understand and respect the work you’ve put in!
Very nice to hear, god. I hate school..glad it’s a thing of the past or me.
very nice post Bud, everyone should now feel worthy and important
Fantastic post! I’m reminded of a Japanese principle “The Kaizen Principle.” There a many translations of this and the one I like is “constant and never ending improvement.” The neat thing about this is doesn’t say how much improvement. So to emphasize what was posted here, just small movements, over time, will make a huge difference. Again great post!
Hey Gregg. Yeah I’m familiar with THe Kaizen Principle! While I do agree with it as a whole I sometimes, feel people get too caught up in ALWAYS trying to improve. Sometimes you HAVE to take a step backwards before you can continue to move forward. Thanks for your comment man.
I fully agree that we start some sort of “butterfly effect” with everything we do. I also think that such effects cannot probably be measured, so it is better to just let it out… To reach realization, a human being must: 1) contributing to the community by 2) doing something he really enjoys doing. I think we sometimes do not put enough emphasis on the second part. Great issues you discuss here.
Thanks. Nacho. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hey Bud, I always think that in each moment, right now, we are actively moving toward something, and it’s up to me to move somewhere I want to be.
You are amazing. <3
Email me.
Brilliant article. All of our actions have consequences – what we say and do. Just paying someone a compliment and making them feel good is going to potentially radiate to dozens of people throughout the day.
I always question if what I do or want to do makes a difference and will matter. I have no idea if I make an impact on people because no one tells me that I do. Sometimes I just want to throw in the towel and say “forget about it.” With all the craziness in the world right now, I wonder if anyone is making a difference. Who knows…
Stop questioning
I believe this to be one of your best posts. Perhaps, it is just that at this particular moment in my life it struck a chord (rather loudly). It was definately something I needed to hear (read) right now. Your gesture with this blog made a difference in my life today. Thank you.
Hey Bud! Great Post.
One of my favourite quotes is this:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
-Leo F. Buscaglia
It sure is heartening to note that small movements do matter. I mean we live in a world where anything goes and apathy rules. Coming from a nation where corruption and mal administration rule, it is difficult to find support for a more enlightenede form of governance. I do try my bit but in my own ways. I am not that outgoing to actually take it out on to the streets.
Thats true. One step in the right direction goes a long way.
Great post! A gentle reminder of the power of small incremental movements…… as Lao Tzu mentoned back in the long ago
“Mountains can be moved by carrying away small stones.”
Thank you!
Amazing post man. I think I read this at the point in time where I need it most. I’ve been in a real philosophical-question why we live and die in this world and what’s our purpose in the grand scheme-mood.
It just feels like on the big scale, nothing really matters. Suffice to say, that has gotten me a little down. It’s making me not want to take any action and that’s horrible. I want to be able to live for me but…all this crap on my mind keeps holding me back.
I’ve got a whole plethora of problems with being lonely too but that’s my own issue. I’ll fix that. In the mean time I’ve just gota start living for what “makes me tick”. Selfish yeah, but I don’t think I could bear doing nothing. Keep on writing man.
hey i know… I ve been there and done tat?.. Well check out 1000awesomethings.com . Of course we cant enjoy all tat when we have real probs but one thing is for sure. You are in america. Tats the biggest blessing you can hope for. You can have the same crappy problems in some other crappy country.