Ever heard of the butterfly effect?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In chaos theory, simply put, the butterfly effect says that a small change in one area can create a greater change in another area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most common metaphor is the butterfly flapping its wings on one side of the globe creating, weeks later, a large wind system (e.g., tornado) on the other side of the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though that\u2019s more of a mathematical concept, it is similar to \u201creal life,\u201d as well, because small actions can have a large impact, like a tiny seed blossoming into a mighty tree. Sometimes the impact is caused far away, and other times the impact can increase over time. In this guide, we walk you through some of the simplest actions you can take which can have a large\u2014and positive\u2014impact on your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s a list of the best small things you can do that\u2019ll have a big impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Show Your Appreciation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you go to a job interview, you\u2019ll likely say \u201cthank you\u201d as you wrap up the meeting and leave. But, sending a follow-up thank you letter after the interview can go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, it shows the employer both professionalism and courtesy, increasing your chances of landing the job. Also, it reminds them that you\u2019re waiting, strengthening their memory of you positively and politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other areas of your life, a simple display of gratitude can go just as far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When someone does something nice for you, send them a heartfelt thank you letter. Or, write an email to a friend or family member thanking them for a specific thing they did in the past; this will show them it has meant a lot to you, while also making them feel quite happy for the rest of the day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, on top of all that, your appreciativeness can help make you more resilient<\/a>. As COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, says: \u201cFinding gratitude and appreciation is key to resilience. People who take the time to list things they are grateful for are happier and healthier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Donate Money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to be a billionaire philanthropist to have a large impact on the finances of the organizations you care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You know Wikipedia, I\u2019m sure. And, over the last few years, you\u2019ve likely seen their donation banner, saying something like that if every Wikipedia user donated $3, they\u2019d be done raising funds. In fact, Wikipedia says<\/a> they are \u201csustained by donations averaging $15.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Donate Your Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In many cases, especially for students and young professionals, donating money isn\u2019t an option. So, consider contributing your time, instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many ways to spend your time to make a difference. If there\u2019s an organization in need, sign up as a volunteer. You don\u2019t even have to leave your house\u2014world-changing institutions such as the UN need your digital help (check out onlinevolunteering.org<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Smile at a Stranger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Smiling is one of the simplest things you can do, but also one of the most effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to an article<\/a> in The Journal of Social Psychology<\/em> titled \u201cThe Effect of Smiling on Person Perception,\u201d the author Sing Lau states that people \u201cliked a smiling person more and evaluated him or her more positively than a nonsmiling person. Moreover, a smiling person was perceived to be more intelligent and could create in the perceiver a warm feeling more so than a nonsmiling person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Take a Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes the best way to have a positive impact on the world is to get your own self back to peak performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disconnect for a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allow yourself some time to sort all your thoughts, and give others the chance to support you just as you support them. When you return, you\u2019ll likely have a lot more creativity, energy, and enthusiasm to get the job done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those five actions above are some of the most impactful things you can do on a day-to-day basis, but there are plenty other small actions with big impact to consider, of course. And, having a large influence on others doesn\u2019t have to cost you much time, money, or effort, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some other small acts that can cause great change:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Recycle<\/strong> – How Does Recycling Help the Environment?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Build Resilience<\/strong> – How to Sustain Resilience<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Support the SDGs<\/strong> – How to Support the SDGs Without Spending Any Money<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Take Shorter Showers<\/strong> – Gallons of water are used each minute, so conserve water<\/a> by limiting your showers to under 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Fight Climate Change<\/strong> – Earth Day Tips to Support the Environment & Stop Climate Change<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Donate Unused Items<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
15. Support the Black Community<\/strong> – 5 Simple But Effective Ways to Support Black Lives Matter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
16. Support Those Impacted by COVID-19<\/strong> – 25+ Organizations to Support<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
18. Follow Your Calling<\/strong> – Turn Your Passion Into a Career in 5 Easy Steps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
22. Set Personal Goals<\/strong> – How to Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
23. Be Encouraging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
25. Share Your Ideas With the World<\/strong> – How to Pitch Great Ideas on Goodwall: 4 Easy Tips for Success<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n