The Butterfly Effect and a Pizza Delivery Driver

Edward Lorenz once said that “Small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system.”

The story most known is the analogy of the flapping of a butterfly wings can lead to storms on the other side of the world.

Cause and effect at scale.

What if that same set of principles could be said for human behaviors aimed in gratitude? Opening a door for someone at your local coffee shop leading to a world leader making a positive decision that impacts millions. Is it that far fetched to imagine?

Daily when I meet someone we are often engage in some sort of opening pleasantries.

How is your day?

How are you?

The barista calling out my coffee order..

Each time one of these exchanges happens I consciously do something. I share a compliment. An honest and sincere sentence that I mean and comes from my heart.

I really like your shirt…

Your hat is fresh!

I like those bracelets….

Stepping outside to greet our lunch, the young woman balances the order with grace as she nears the door. I meet here and grab the food. As we exchange welcoming words, I notice her hand made bracelets that say “Mom”. It was clear they were special to her.

In that moment I share my feelings of her custom accessories.

“I really like your bracelets….”

In which she responds, “Thank you! My daughter made them for me. When I look down at them - it’s a reminder of why I am working two jobs….”

Many of us struggle to take a compliment. One thing is for sure though, each time it happens - there is an exchange of positive energy that is evident.

In a day and age where so many people are quick to tell others what they are doing wrong, take a moment to tell somebody what they are doing right.

Tell someone something nice that stands out.

In doing so maybe, just maybe there’s a chance we can change the world for the better.

Cheers,

Kolby