When trying to build lean muscle, the small consistent actions add up to big changes. These small muscle movements, repeated over time, create muscles that aren’t bulky but have strength and beauty all their own.
In the same way, our consistent actions add up to big changes over time. Doing small things regularly will yield big results. The good news is, small things are easy to accomplish and take very little time or commitment. Some even require zero forethought and work together with what you already do every day.
Here are three types of action where consistency adds up:
Kindness: Make a gesture of love towards your spouse every day in front of your children. These small acts of kindness and affection will make an impact when they are making decisions about their own relationships. Your small daily example of how to love and be loved is an illustration of how easy it is to help shape the next generation through our actions.
Helpfulness: Find one thing that comes easily to you that is helpful to someone else. Do that one thing over and over until its influence is undeniable. In the office, you can bring in inexpensive grocery store flowers every week and make a beautiful statement. People will start to see you as the beautification go-to and remember the impact you made in their work environment.
Thoughtfulness: Pay attention to people. Discover what they love. Small things that don’t cost much, but make an impact on their mood. Knowing someone’s favorite coffee shop, candy bar, or sushi restaurant always comes in handy. Being able to give them a gift certificate or invite them on a date makes a big impression when the offer includes their favorite things. Paying attention to the likes and desires of others makes thoughtfulness easy, and is very effective in making an impact.
Giving: Try saving your small change in a jar at the end of each day. In a year’s time, you can have enough money on hand to make a large donation to your favorite charity or organization. Recruit your family or office to participate and multiply the fun. The small and consistent act of tossing your change into a bucket can yield big results.
It may seem odd that you can make a difference by doing these little things that feel like they should come naturally. The truth is, everyone isn’t always kind, helpful, thoughtful, or generous. Flexing those muscles routinely will build a “lean and beautiful” image of your character to influence those in your everyday life.
