I would like to share with you a quote that made me think recently:

Sometimes, I get a feeling that I’m not doing enough. I am not having the impact I would like to have or not reaching as many leaders as I would like. In short, I sometimes feel as though I am too small to really make a difference crosses my mind.

Do you also underestimate yourself, thinking that your individual actions don’t count for much in the grand scheme of things?

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear explains the importance of small habits. Small actions can produce the biggest results for us. Let’s take an example that James Clear offers us in his book: the melting of an ice cube. If I place an ice cube on a table in a room where the temperature is -20 degrees C., I will not see any change in the cube. The next day, if I raise the temperature to -15 degrees C., I still won’t see any change in the cube. The day after, I adjust the temperature to -10 degrees C., still no change. At this point, I can become discouraged, thinking that nothing I do can make a difference. However, if I don’t give up, and continue to persist and raise the temperature, I will eventually get results. The day I adjust the temperature from 0 to +1 degrees C., I will see a change. Going from 0 to +1 degrees C. is not a very big increment, however it was the compiled actions that made the difference, with a good dose of perseverance and resilience.

The quote from the Dalai Lama reminds me that we should never underestimate the impact of our actions, no matter how small they may seem. Living in Northern Ontario Canada, I have often had the experience of trying to sleep in the presence of a mosquito. It is remarkable how such a small action from such a small living creature can have such a big impact.

If you can adopt a mosquito’s disposition, you will be able to eventually have the desired results. Who knows? You might even be able to encourage people around you to pursue their goals and believe in their potential.