The Tiny Things You Do Every Day Can Have a Huge Impact (No, Seriously, Stop Rolling Your Eyes)

The Tiny Things You Do Every Day Can Have a Huge Impact (No, Seriously, Stop Rolling Your Eyes)

Let me ask you something: Have you ever done something small—like, really small—and thought, “Well, that probably won’t change the world”? If so, congratulations! You’re officially like most people who have been stuck behind a slow walker. But here’s the kicker: That little thing you did might have set off a chain reaction that ends with you getting a promotion, winning an Oscar, or at the very least, finding $5 in your coat pocket.

Let’s talk about something called the Law of Procession, which is a fancy way of saying that when you do something—even if it’s just holding the door for someone—the impact ripples out like a stone skipping across a pond. And before you ask, yes, this is a real law and not something I made up after a long lunch.

Work Life: Stop Trying to Be the Flashy Guy

We’ve all seen the person who thinks success is about being the loudest voice in the room. You know the type. They’ve got the perfect sales pitch, the nicest car, and they probably say things like, “Crushing it!” a lot. But here’s the truth: People don’t care if you’re “crushing it” as much as they care that you remembered their birthday or brought donuts to the meeting. (Don’t bring the jelly-filled ones, though. No one actually likes those. Wait. I actually do.)

The Law of Procession means those little gestures—like showing up on time, helping someone with a project, or just not eating the last slice of pizza in the break room—are the things people remember. It’s not about the big, shiny moments. It’s about making sure no one ends up with the last stale doughnut. That's how you make waves. And the guy with the perfect sales pitch? Yeah, he’s just loud.

Personal Life: Don’t Be a Jerk at Starbucks

If you want to test this theory, go to Starbucks and don’t complain when they misspell your name. Instead, smile and say something like, “Wow, I’ve never seen ‘Chris’ spelled with a silent ‘Z’ before!” What happens next? Well, you might just brighten someone’s day, and the next thing you know, you’re getting free caramel macchiatos for life. (Note: This is not guaranteed.)

These little interactions build up over time. That smile you gave the barista? It might ripple out into the universe and lead to world peace. Or, at the very least, it’ll make your coffee taste slightly better. Either way, small actions = big impact.

The Big Secret: How “Lucky” People Really Do It

You know those people who always seem to catch every break? The ones who get promoted for “just being themselves,” or who always seem to have a new best friend at the gym? Here’s the deal: It’s not luck. It’s that they’ve mastered the art of tiny gestures. They know how to toss a stone into the pond and let the ripples do the work.

While the rest of us are stuck trying to perfect our LinkedIn headshots, these people are out there building relationships and dropping ripples like it’s their job. And it’s working. It’s the people who focus on the small things—not the “crushing it” moments—that seem to coast through life.

Here’s How You Can Do It Too (It’s Not Rocket Science, I Swear)

  1. Stop Being a Big Shot: You don’t have to move mountains. Just send a quick thank-you email. Help a colleague. Don’t be that guy who “replies all” to every group email.
  2. Play the Long Game: That extra effort today? You may not see results tomorrow, but give it time. Like your gym membership, it’ll pay off if you actually use it.
  3. Smile at Strangers: No, don’t be creepy about it. But sometimes, a simple smile or “How’s it going?” is all it takes to create a ripple.
  4. Focus on Relationships, Not Transactions: Be the person people want to work with, not the person who’s always looking for a quick win. You’re not in the stock market.
  5. Remember: Everything Ripples: Personal life, work life—it’s all connected. If you’re a jerk at work, that’s going to carry over into your friendships. So don’t be a jerk. Easy, right?

Final Thought: You’re Already Making Waves (You Just Don’t Know It)

Here’s the thing: You’re already doing these little actions. You just don’t realize it. Every interaction, every small effort—it’s all creating ripples. The question is, where are your ripples headed? Because those “lucky” people who seem to make progress everywhere? They’re just a little more aware of the waves they’re making. You can be too. Just start with something small… like not eating the last slice of pizza.


Written by Rob Pruitt

Rob is passionate about breaking the cycle of repetitive, shallow work that keeps creators and entrepreneurs stuck. He challenges the mindset of relying on superficial content, encouraging deeper thinking and authentic, purpose-driven work. By empowering individuals to move beyond templates and embrace originality, Rob helps leaders and innovators create impactful movements that drive real growth and transformation.

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Honey May Garcines

LinkedIn Engagement Specialist @ evyAI | Empowering Brands to Build Connections & Relationships

1 个月

I love how you turned a simple mistake into a moment of connection, Rob Pruitt! It’s a great reminder that our interactions can be shaped by our responses.

Manny A. Williams

LinkedIn Top Voice ?? - Work at Height and Rope Access Subject Matter Expert - Business Development and Operations Professional - IRATA 3/30174 - Ham Radio Operator - Trade School Advocate - Flamenco Guitarist

1 个月

I always say "Spartacus" and am waiting for the day when a store full of people respond to the call for the coffee "I am Spartacus!" Thanks for sharing!

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