The transformative power of small change
by Deidra Riggs
Reading Time:
3 minutes
There’s nothing wrong with small change. Not everything needs to be “big and bad” to be considered brilliant. Small change—as they say—adds up.
Sometimes, however, the world can seem a bit overwhelming. A five minute session with the nightly news is enough to make a person gasp at the vastness of the problems across the ocean, or right down the street. Of course, we know in our gut that things in the media are sensationalized, because sensationalism sells and keeps us engaged. But, all of that sensationalization also keeps us up at night.
We lie awake at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling in the dark, wringing our hands. We talk ourselves into believing the change that’s needed is way too big for one person to affect in one small lifetime on this earth. But, what if we’re underestimating the power of the small changes at our disposal and within our reach?
In a recent On Being podcast, Krista Tippett interviewed Dr. Louis Newman about the Jewish concept of teshuvah, or, repentance. The idea of repentance often gets coupled with the religious concept of sin, but Dr. Newman invites us to take the pressure off and simply embrace the concept of what he calls “a very gradual process of recognizing” the powerful impact, over the course of time, of small changes in a different direction:
…think about this in terms of a 360 degree circle, if you’re headed in one direction and you turn only one degree or two degrees to the right or to the left, over a long period of time — it may be a very slight turn, but over an extended period of time, if you now walk in that direction, you’ll end up in an utterly different place than if you extend that line outward infinitely. And that sense of turning even slightly…it doesn’t have to be a radical, all of a sudden transformation into a new life. It’s actually a very gradual process of recognizing, “you know, I need to pay attention to that particular failing a little bit more, and move in a little different direction.”
When I heard Dr. Newman’s words through my earbuds one morning, while trying to squeeze in a workout between editorial meetings and writing deadlines, I nearly fell off the recumbent bicycle at the gym. His words made it possible for me to exhale and embrace the reality that my small change can make a difference for good, right in the places where I find myself everyday.
So can yours.
Photo by John Gillenwater
Take the current EU migrant crisis, for example. Our world leaders have a lot on their hands, trying to figure out the best way to handle the greatest humanitarian crisis since World War II. One of the questions at the heart of the crisis is, How are we supposed to treat the stranger in our midst? On a global scale, the answer to the question may seem layered and complicated. But, when we pay attention to the question in the context of our everyday lives, the answer is easy: kindness. And so, I make a conscious decision, to turn my heart toward kindness today, more than I did yesterday.
Most of us will make a difference in this world, but not because of some grand or large-scale initiative. No, most of us will change our corner of the world and make an impact that stands the test of time through the small and seemingly insignificant (to us) interactions and decisions and conversations of our average days. We make a difference where we live, and incrementally, that place begins to shift.
Begin simply. Start small. And watch the world begin to change, right where you live your ordinary life, each and every day.
Giveaway
A note from Tsh: I’m so glad to have Deidra on the blog today. Her post is a great sample of the kind of stuff you’ll find in her new book, Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are, which releases TODAY. And I’m happy to share that Deidra has five copies to give away for the Art of Simple readers.
To enter your chance to win, leave any comment below this post. (If you’re reading this post via email, please click over to the original post and leave a comment on the blog.)
This giveaway will close this weekend. Good luck!
Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents; physical addresses only (no P.O. boxes).
The transformative power of small change
There’s nothing wrong with small change. Not everything needs to be “big and bad” to be considered brilliant. Small change—as they say—adds up.
Sometimes, however, the world can seem a bit overwhelming. A five minute session with the nightly news is enough to make a person gasp at the vastness of the problems across the ocean, or right down the street. Of course, we know in our gut that things in the media are sensationalized, because sensationalism sells and keeps us engaged. But, all of that sensationalization also keeps us up at night.
We lie awake at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling in the dark, wringing our hands. We talk ourselves into believing the change that’s needed is way too big for one person to affect in one small lifetime on this earth. But, what if we’re underestimating the power of the small changes at our disposal and within our reach?
In a recent On Being podcast, Krista Tippett interviewed Dr. Louis Newman about the Jewish concept of teshuvah, or, repentance. The idea of repentance often gets coupled with the religious concept of sin, but Dr. Newman invites us to take the pressure off and simply embrace the concept of what he calls “a very gradual process of recognizing” the powerful impact, over the course of time, of small changes in a different direction:
…think about this in terms of a 360 degree circle, if you’re headed in one direction and you turn only one degree or two degrees to the right or to the left, over a long period of time — it may be a very slight turn, but over an extended period of time, if you now walk in that direction, you’ll end up in an utterly different place than if you extend that line outward infinitely. And that sense of turning even slightly…it doesn’t have to be a radical, all of a sudden transformation into a new life. It’s actually a very gradual process of recognizing, “you know, I need to pay attention to that particular failing a little bit more, and move in a little different direction.”
When I heard Dr. Newman’s words through my earbuds one morning, while trying to squeeze in a workout between editorial meetings and writing deadlines, I nearly fell off the recumbent bicycle at the gym. His words made it possible for me to exhale and embrace the reality that my small change can make a difference for good, right in the places where I find myself everyday.
So can yours.
Photo by John Gillenwater
Take the current EU migrant crisis, for example. Our world leaders have a lot on their hands, trying to figure out the best way to handle the greatest humanitarian crisis since World War II. One of the questions at the heart of the crisis is, How are we supposed to treat the stranger in our midst? On a global scale, the answer to the question may seem layered and complicated. But, when we pay attention to the question in the context of our everyday lives, the answer is easy: kindness. And so, I make a conscious decision, to turn my heart toward kindness today, more than I did yesterday.
Most of us will make a difference in this world, but not because of some grand or large-scale initiative. No, most of us will change our corner of the world and make an impact that stands the test of time through the small and seemingly insignificant (to us) interactions and decisions and conversations of our average days. We make a difference where we live, and incrementally, that place begins to shift.
Begin simply. Start small. And watch the world begin to change, right where you live your ordinary life, each and every day.
Giveaway
A note from Tsh: I’m so glad to have Deidra on the blog today. Her post is a great sample of the kind of stuff you’ll find in her new book, Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are, which releases TODAY. And I’m happy to share that Deidra has five copies to give away for the Art of Simple readers.
To enter your chance to win, leave any comment below this post. (If you’re reading this post via email, please click over to the original post and leave a comment on the blog.)
This giveaway will close this weekend. Good luck!
Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents; physical addresses only (no P.O. boxes).
190 Comments
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I find this post to be so encouraging. We need to just start right where we are. Today. I’d love to read the book!
I have always thought of the Titanic when I think of incremental change. Had they been able to shift the direction and momentum of that ship incrementally, and steered it away from what was impending, the results would have obviously been historically life altering.
Life and change are indeed made up of the incremental moments of our lives…….. I would love to read this book!!
So very interested in this book. Can’t wait to read. Thanks!
I’d love to win a copy of this book!
What a beautiful idea.
Looks like a good book
Thanks for the encouraging words today!
I’d love the chance to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
I love this thought process. I am learning about transformative coaching within schools, and the ideas are similar.
So encouraging. Thanks!
Looks like a great book and I love the idea of how turning a little can add up!
This was an inspiring post. Can’t wait to read the book!
i heard the same interview and was captivated by the idea of moving just a little more in the right direction… how that takes the pressure off and allows for grace.
I would love to be able to read this book. Sounds inspiring.
What an encouragement this morning! I get so overwhelmed at how far I need to get – today – going to focus on a little change! Thanks!
Blessings!!
Thank you for this morning inspiration! I look forward to reading the book and sharing your thoughts not only myself and my family, but also the clients I work with in counseling who are in need of being empowered to make a difference in their world.
A beautiful post. I love the idea of making small changes, a little at a time, right where you are – something that I have seen in action in my own everyday life. Thanks for the reminder that this is something worth celebrating..
I absolutely love this. I think the idea of small changes is lifechanging! I am definitely putting this book on my list!
I love this idea of small change. It is so encouraging.
Oh goodness. I love the mental image of changing just a few degrees and ending up somewhere else. Such a good reminder that the small things matter.
Great post. Would love to read Deidra’s book
I love this. God’s message to me the last few months has been for me to be ok with small steps and what appears to be insignificant when I want big immediate results. This was a great reminder!
Wow! Loved this post and would love to win the book! I appreciate this concept of repentance…the slow turning towards something over time can make change as well. Too often we’re all or nothing…immediate vs gradual. I love the imagery of Turing towards kindness! This is so helpful for my prayer life! Thank you Dedria!!
Sounds like an inspiring book. Thanks for the chance.
Big is overwhelming to me right now. That is why I love the concept behind Deidra’s book. Making a difference where you are at, rather than where you feel like you should be. I can’t wait to read it!
This post came at exactly the right time. I loved the analogy of the compass and turning just a degree and a small change….Would love to read this book.
So much encouragement in the idea that we don’t have to go big or go home. I can indeed work to effect small changes that can magnify over time. Looking forward to reading this!!
Thank you for such an encouraging post! I’d love to win the book.
This has mean thinking about the Buddhist concept of Karma in both its small and large manifestations. How even just thinking positively changes the world just a little bit. What a lovely concept.
Thank you for this, for how hopeful this is, that small changes can change the direction of our lives. What a wonderful explanation of repentance. Deidre I hope this book sells big because of how truly gracious you are and because it has such a hopeful message. I looked for it at Barnes but I was two days early! They said they had three books on the way, so it is getting out there. Bless you.
Thank you for this encouragement today!
Wow. I love that image of the circle. And this message is just what I need to hear at this time in my life. Thank you! I would love to read this book.
have a sweet day!
Thank you for the post! I get so discouraged by all that needs doing!
Also, please enter me in the giveaway!
I have found this to be true many times over in my life. This is a good reminder for today.
A wonderful sentiment and an important one to remember when overwhelmed by the desire to do more.
There’s a quote from the Little Book of Talent I had framed because it applies to all aspects of life. It’s “Small actions repeated over time transform us.”
I would love to learn what we can do , and also to teach my children what we can do.
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this book, I can’t wait to read it for myself!!!
I love the fact that even your giveaways are simple. 🙂 Thanks, Tsh and Deirdra!!
Congratulations on the launch of your book!!! Need to check it out; sounds awesome!!
I loved this fresh perspective on repentance and change & wou love to read even more! Thanks for this giveaway!!
Thank you for sharing this today. Just what I needed to hear!
Thank you so much for this perspective. I’m generally a plodder so this is very encouraging. I can have sprint moments of inspiration on occasion. So having a mindset of little adjustments seems very attainable. Thank you!
Trying to move one small degree today.
Lovely idea to start my day. Thank you.
Small changes add up…a simple idea, but so easy to overlook. Thank you for the reminder.
I’ve been contemplating some changes I’m making in my life, and this was a great way to get myself over the hurdle. I don’t have to change everything at once, just a bit at a time.
An encouragement needed. I am at lunch at a favoeite spot by myself to determine my next course of action on how to deal with my depression.
I’m trying to give myself a break and be kind. I thank you for the reminder of the meaning of repentance . To turn the other direction, if only slightly. I needed to hear my small steps matter and they are turning my life, thoughts, actions and attitudes to place of kindness
Love the message! Today, right this moment, I turn more toward kindness.
Loved this so much! I needed to read this today.
Go big or go home does not apply. Small steps will make a lasting change for the better. Anxious to dig into the new release!
This inspiring message came to me at exactly the right time. I will be looking at all my problems with the understanding that all it takes would be one small change, and I am closer to where I want to head to. One small step towards understanding and kindness. Thank you!!
I was just reading about cherishing the small things. That small things make big differences, you just have to be willing to see it. I bet the book is great too!
Oh, this book seems delightful (and timely)! I can’t wait to read it! Reminds me of the Vincent van Gogh quote: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
wonderful post!
Such an excellent thing to keep in mind!
The book sounds lovely!
Oh, I needed this.
And a whole book by Deidra? What a gift that would be!
Such an encouraging post to read this week- the book sounds lovely!
Would love to read this! Thank you for the encouraging words.
I love this post! I am a firm believer in “the small things”. Kindness goes a long ways! ❤️
Wow- what a powerful concept. On one hand, I certainly need to make changes where I currently am, but on the other hand, sometimes don’t we need to do more? Aren’t I complacent and comfortable enough? I’d love to explore these ideas more by reading the book!
I love this! I often look at changes as big things that I have to overcome to get to where I want to be. It feels more surmountable to think of things as small changes and to know that with them, in the time that would have passed anyway, I will be achieving my goals.
Thanks for this contest, I enjoyed this post!
Great post to ponder!
Would love to read this book!
I love that idea of the gradual turning from sin. We are constantly in need of course corrections in our daily lives. Some habits are so ingrained, it takes time for complete transformation to occur. Grace- our God lavishly bestows it upon us when we continue to turn toward Him.
What a great visual, and such words of encouragement in a day when we must do everything big and all at once!
Would love to read this one!
I need to make many changes, of that I am sure. Very encouraged by the advice to take time, make it intentional, and not just one more thing to be overwhelmed by. Thank you. Very interested in the book
Simple change for our own and our world’s greater good! Thank you!
Thank you for the thought-provoking post and chance to learn more about it!
Such an encouraging post! I needed to hear it today – great timing. I’d love to receive a copy of the book.
Thanks for this opportunity, and even more — this great post!
I would love to read this book! It’s the small changes that have allowed me to be successful in transition…….the big changes tend to overwhelm me or make me give up!
I would love to win a free copy of that book! Come on Universe, work with me!
Begin Simply……… Love it Thanks!
Thank you for reminding me how important it is to start where you are, with the small things you are able to do. It is so easy sometimes to get caught up in a feeling of helplessness in the face of such large problems.
Perfect, keep it simple, small doable change rather than overwhelming imposible goal. Look forward to reading the book
Love these thoughts and will need to refer back to them when I get overwhelmed with all that needs to be changed.
I love the idea of using small changes to shift your life and impact in longer-term, bigger ways. I think our society really pushes us for instant, big, all or nothing moves that then feel overwhelming but I think the small approach could be more impactful, manageable and feasible and in that – ultimately accomplish more!
thanks!
I would love to read this!
We can all be kind, without any cost and little effort. What a beautiful thought to think that simply being kind could be the butterfly effect to change the world. Thanks for the encouragement!
I’m so glad that I clicked on this story. Brilliant and insightful.
Can’t wait to read the book! Love the encouragement today, thank you.
I would love the chance to read this book!
i’ll be impatiently waiting for the library to get a copy…so i’d love to win one and pass it on when i’m done!
Sometimes I think the smallest changes make the biggest differences.
I’d love to read a book that is that encouraging!
This book sounds fascinating.
Such wise words. I would love to win this book!
Enter me in the giveaway. 🙂
Yes, yes, YES! This post is spot on! Can’t wait to read this book!
thank you for this encouragement and a chance to win a copy of this great looking book! I loved the idea of a 360 degree turn done by degrees instead of all at once…it’s a reassuring reminder to this perfectionist!
Baby steps can transform! Thank you for this reflection!
What a beautiful example of learning from traditions that may be different from your own. The illustration of “degrees” was powerful. Thank you! Would love to read more of Deidra’s work.
Small acts of kindness can turn the world in a different direction? I always wanted to do something “big”, something “important”. Maybe smaller acts can become cumulative? Very interesting thoughts indeed!
Thank you for sharing about making an impact through every little thing. It is very encouraging bc we don’t have to focus on he massive problem or thing we want to change as a whole which can be so overwhelming. We can just make little turns everyday and then progress will come. It’s all about the process! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing such a powerful message! I would love to read the book.
Encouraging post,would love to read the book.
I appreciate the idea that small things matter.
Excellent points! Instead of being overwhelmed with the news, do something small in your part of the world. If everyone did that really big change could happen.
Deidra Riggs words remind me of my favorite song. “One Voice” by Barry Manilow. I suppose today it could be the song by Mathew West, “Do Something”. I would be honored to receive this book as it sounds like her thoughts coincide with mine. ?
Sounds like a must read!
I love the brilliant “simple” perapective you offer to your readers . I would love to check out this book.
Small is do-able!!!!!
Beautiful words! Thank you!
very life-changing thought for this perfectionist! thanks for the giveaway, tsh & deidre!
This book sounds so interesting, I would love a copy!
Great post! I can’t wait to read the book!
The small things become the big things. Its so true but hard to keep in focus. I look forward to reading the book.
What a great reminder to stop wishing I were important enough to do something BIG, and just accept the little changes I can make right where I am. Sounds like a great book!
small change is incredibly empowering…I’m glad more,people will learn this through your work. Thank you!
I love when God moves multiple hearts in the same direction at the same time. I’d love to win the book 🙂
I love this!
How encouraging. I’ve always dreamed “big” and been disappointed when I don’t achieve the grandiose. Trying to learn to “change the world” right where I am…which happens to be smack dab in the middle of the suburbs for now. Looking forward to reading this book!
Perfect message and just what I needed to read right now. 🙂
I like it. Very encouraging.
I so needed to hear this today! With three kids under 5, I often feel like I’m doing nothing to make a difference in the world outside my doors. While I know in my head that raising my children well WILL have a positive impact on the world, often changing diapers, wiping noses and doing dishes doesn’t feel particularly far-reaching. Thanks for the new perspective. 🙂
‘and that sense of turning ever so slightly’ . . . wow! This was great perspective for me this evening and I appreciate the encouraging posts.
Would love to read this book!
I love this idea! I hope I win!!
My dad said something to this affect when I was younger and trying to “figure out what to do with my life” – what was “God’s will”? He said to take the small right steps/decisions to end up in the place I was supposed to be.
Yes and yesser. I can’t do XYZ, but I can do abc and influence those around me. Thank you for this!
This is amazing, thank you! I would love to read this book
Would love to read your book. Kindness makes a huge difference!
This is the second giveaway I’ve entered for this book. I’m going to just have to buy it–it looks fantastic.
I would love to read this book. As someone who is in the autumn of my days (a gracious way to say I’m elderly), I am learning to appreciate the small joys of life because I no longer have the energy for big things.
Thank you for the uplifting post! This looks like such an interesting book!
I love this idea of being happy with the changes that we can accomplish one small step at a time. I can’t wait to read this book and it is currently on my wishlist.
I would love to read this book! I need some encouragement that we can make a difference.
It’s so hard to think that my little life makes any difference at all – especially when I consider the big difference my son is making. But, I think, that’s part of the difference. And every once in a while, someone will remind me that I am also, personally, making a difference. It’s so important to tell people that they, too, are making a difference.
Loved reading this post & would love to read this book 🙂
Bloom where you’re planted.
So good to re-evaluate life. Always thinking things have to be radical. Felt a gentle wave of calm thinking small.
Beautiful post. <3
It’s amazing how small changes do lead to a different path.
In this world of “look at me, validate me, make me big” this is a good reminder that we can make changes on our world without that.
I needed to read this today. Look forward to reading the book!
I would LOVE to win her book. I really appreciate what she has to say around the topic of repentance.
Encouraging thoughts! I’d love to t read more.
Thank you for the reminder that babysteps are okay. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that no one expects a finished masterpiece after a few minutes of work when it 83rd a big thing.
I love the hope that this infuses! It’s not all or nothing, it’s grace + truth + time in action.
I need more of this small turn recognition in my life!
I’d love to read this book. I read what Jennifer Dukes Lee said about the importance of the six little words you spoke to her, and that greatly helped me. Thank you!
Beautiful and so encouraging! Would love a copy!
Thanks for sharing your insights with us! Even small acts in life have great meaning and purpose.
Hey Miss Deidra! Wonderful post:) I was so happy to see your name pop into my email inbox today. What a delightful surprise! Much bright success to you with your new book!
xo – Deana
Love this idea. Slow and steady wins the race, right? Also LOVE the T-shirts you designed below to help raise money for the refugees! Mine is ordered and on the way. Thanks!
That’s such a refreshing reminder. Practice hospitality, a verse says, and it’s been one of my favorite things, which I take to mean having an open heart toward strangers even as I go about my daily rounds. Sure there’s some initial fear of the unknown, but usually people respond to kindness with…kindness! Sometimes even with gratitude. However, in this particular year I am “holing up” an hour away from where we lived the past 7 years, and I am not particularly reaching out much in my new community. My shoulders are relaxing ever so slowly and my family is drawing closer too as the pressure is less and the kindness in the home increases.
I would LOVE to read your book, Dierdre!
Love this post! Thanks! Would love to read more!
great book, would love to read it!
So true and relevant. Thank you.
I would love to read this. Thanks for the opportunity! 🙂
Very encouraging and just what I needed to hear at this moment (and want to pass along to others)! Sounds like a fantastic book.
My life right now is made up of so many little things, little pebbles making ripples. I would love to read this book!
This is such a helpful perspective. I’m a big-picture perfectionist, which means I’m often discouraged! It helps so much to remember that small changes, little details, can bring me closer to God and allow me to change (at least my little part of) the world through Him.
Love this (small) but powerful idea. Thanks!
This post found me on the right day at the right time — my soul really needed to hear this today. Thanks Deidra!
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Thank you for this post. I have been feeling overwhelmed by life these past days and feel a bit better about “Changing the World” now, a little at a time. And I’m excited to read this book! Thank you.
What powerful image! Just turn one or two degrees then keep moving in the new direction! I always thought I had to go big or go home. What a relief to realize a huge difference can result from making small changes. Thank you.
Feeling like cannot make a difference in the immigrant situation. I need all the encouragement I can get.
I love this. I get overwhelmed sometimes by the tragedy of this world and have to reorient myself. It definitely helps to think of this analogy. I also try to remember that God is in control and my job is to be a good steward of those relationships he’s trusting me with.
So timely. I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, and each job seems like too much. This is a good reminder to start small – just turning slightly – will move me in a better direction.
This book sounds great – would love to win it!
I LOVE this post, and that analogy is so simple, yet so illustrative. I feel a little lighter now too 🙂
Beautifully said.
The book sounds really good – I am happy that this contest includes Canadian residents 🙂
Yes, please! love it.
Sarah M
I am going to apply this concept to the pile of papers on my desk tomorrow! The idea of taking care of just a couple things takes away the intimidation of tackling the whole pile in one sitting, which I just don’t have the time for. Just starting is always the hard part!
Small change – works in finances too! Wo I ld love to win/savor this book.
Such a good reminder that small changes will make a big impact over time. This is something I need to remember every day. Thank you!
There is a great power in a little step toward change, it lies in the intention. Like there is so much life and promise in a seed that grows. It lies in the essence of the seed, which will become a plant, with millions of changes not perceived by the human eye. 🙂
Very insightful and hope-giving. I really look forward to reading her book now. Thank you for sharing this message!
Sounds like a wonderful and timely book – for me and many others. It reminds me how lucky my family is that our kids go to a school where it is part of the mission statement to “teach our children that it is possible to change the world.”
Encouraging article. I would love to read the book.
This is another encouraging post, challenging current thinking in my own brain. I would definitely read this book.
On a day like today when i am feeling discouraged by my own failings and flaws, amidst a world that has deadlines and high expectations, and in a lifelong scenario of worry over the major chronic health challenge of a family member who i love dearly, i found this post to be soothing and calming. Would love to read the book. Thanks to both of you for helping others through writing and sharing these inspirational thoughts.
Working on bringing more joy and laughter to our new home and our family, love this idea…small turns, small changes. Already have this book on my ‘must read’ list. Blessings!
Many of the articles that have appealed to me lately have been pointing once again to small differences, baby steps, incremental improvement. God please help me keep my feet on Your path, every little step of the way.
So encouraging to read today! The books sounds like just what I need right now.
Amen, and amen!
I’d love to read this book!
Thank you. Kindness. I like that.
Wow! So very true. I have never thought of it hat way. Such a gift to hear and i need to keep this in mind as so many pressures and feelings of failure have been hanging around his past year or so as we have been in survival mode. It’s kind of similar to the idea of small goals and gradual resolutions instead of making them so lofty they are almost guaranteed to fail!
thanks for the reminder of the importance of small changes. I’d love to read the book!
I love to be reminded that even small changes make a difference when added together. Thanks for the reminder!