I was listening to a webinar recently and the speaker said "little hinges can move great big doors." She was speaking about the small moves that we can make towards accomplishing a large goal.
In a world that often emphasizes grand gestures and monumental actions, it's easy to overlook the power of perception and the impact that seemingly small actions can have. However, what we fail to realize is that it is often the accumulation of these small acts that leads to significant change.
For example, early in my professional career as a newspaper reporter, I never really thought much about the impact that one of my stories might have. I was simply writing about the news of the day. I wrote a lot of community and human interest stories, so in my eyes the impact was limited to the people or community that I was writing about,
However, sometimes a story would present an opportunity to drive change or highlight some positive or negative efforts that would create change. One day I might be writing about a beautiful building renovation that led to other business owners to spruce up their storefronts or about how drug dealers had taken over a small town, that caused the town leaders to take notice and clean up their streets.
When I wrote a story about my own family in 1995 in the Post & Courier Newspaper, I never thought it would be more than a story in the newspaper. Nearly two decades later, I published a short book, "The Fourth Generation," on the same subject matter. The stories in the book about my family led to two more books and to me teaching and sharing my work in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the community, alongside my work as a Goodwill Industries CEO. Perception is the lens through which we view the world. Our beliefs, values, and biases influence how we interpret and respond to the events and people around us. It is important to recognize that perception is not fixed; it can be altered, challenged, and expanded. When we choose to shift our perspective, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities to effect change. Oftentimes, our perception of change is limited to large-scale initiatives or extravagant gestures. Yet, it is often the cumulative impact of small actions that creates meaningful transformation. Small actions can include simple acts of kindness, speaking up against injustice, or making conscious consumer choices. These seemingly insignificant steps can inspire others, spark conversations, and ripple through communities, ultimately creating a larger impact. Small actions have a way of reverberating beyond their immediate impact. When we lead by example and embody the values and change we wish to see, we inspire others to do the same. Whether it is in our personal relationships, workplaces, or communities, each small action signals a commitment to making the world a better place, setting off a chain reaction that encourages others to join in. Many individuals hesitate to take small actions because they fear that their efforts will be inconsequential. However, it is essential to recognize that every little step counts, and collective change is built upon the accumulation of these small actions. Instead of succumbing to a sense of helplessness, we must embrace the belief that our actions, no matter how small we think they may be, can contribute to a larger movement and catalyze positive change. By recognizing the power of perception and the significance of small actions, we can foster a culture of empowerment. Encouraging others to take small steps towards their goals, actively listening to their voices, and acknowledging their efforts can help create an environment that embraces individual contributions and supports growth and change. The power of perception lies in its ability to shape our reality. By understanding the profound impact of small actions, we can challenge existing narratives, inspire others, and create a more inclusive and equitable world. Remember that even the smallest acts of kindness, courage, and empathy can lead to significant change. So, let us choose to embrace the power of our perception and take those small steps that have the potential to make big differences.
