Why Seemingly Small Actions Matter
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
That well-known quote truly says it all. And yet, I’ll try to expand upon it anyway.
Lao Tzu’s quote highlights something many of us often forget; our choices matter. Even our seemingly small actions may have large implications, especially when you add the totality of our collective choices together. Nothing happens all at once. Any change, good or bad, is the culmination of choices that led to it.
In my work as a substance use counselor, I have often worked with clients searching for a quick fix. There is the inherent idea that some magic fix exists that will change everything for the individual. They believe that discovering this will result in them achieving every goal they have set for themselves. Because it is just one massive factor that keeps them from what they desire. They just can’t find it yet.
However, can you blame them for wanting to believe one magic solution exists? We live in a society of quick fixes.
“5 minute this.”
“1 trick to that.”
“Doctors hate this person.”
The examples of people, organizations, or products offering quick solutions to everyday problems exist everywhere; one only needs to turn on their phone or the television. However, notice how they are always still in business? One would think that if the solutions were that easy, everyone would eventually solve all their problems, and these solutions would be obsolete.
These tactics prey on the desire for the quick fix. The uncomfortable truth is that there is never one choice or action that will change everything for an individual. Yes, some choices hold more weight than others, but none hold all the power entirely.
Consider Legos. I love Legos. Constructing Lego sets is one of my all-time favorite hobbies. I thoroughly enjoy sitting with an activity I can practice sustained focus on for a period of time toward a specific goal. I will typically grab a Star Wars set and prioritize sets that are 400-600 pieces because I like to complete them in one day.
Anyways…
Why Legos?
Because Legos are fun. Also, Legos highlight that many pieces make the whole. A 600-piece set contains, at a minimum, 600 individual actions before you have accomplished your goal. At least 600 actions before you get the dopamine from the completed X-Wing.
Intentional, sustained action is necessary to make the lasting changes you seek in your life. However, while it is not a magic fix, it is possible. You are capable of the actions that build up to the large transformations.
The Lego set of 600 pieces begins with a single block.