“Everyone can do simple things to make a difference, and every little bit really does count.” Stella McCartney.

In last week’s blog, I shared the Starfish Story which illustrates how small gestures can have a huge impact on the world. It got me thinking about how making a difference in the world is an important part of life to many of us. We want to feel that we have made a positive and unique contribution to help make the world a better place.

I sometimes think that we never really get to know and understand the full impact that people have on other’s lives with their actions and the positive ripple effect they create.

We never get to totally understand the impact that encouraging and supportive words had on someone who was feeling nervous or when their belief has been dented. A simple act like smiling at someone when they are feeling down can have a positive influence as can carrying out random acts of kindness.

I once saw a Tom Hanks film “Bridge of Spies.” It is a true story based on the work of lawyer Jim Donovan who was tasked with negotiating the release/exchange of prisoners between the USA, Russia and East Germany.

The film is a great example of how the tenacity and determination of a human being can truly positively influence the future quality of other people’s lives and enable them to make a more positive contribution on society.

At the end of the film, there was some text that came up to say that later in his career, Jim Donavan was involved in the release of over 9000 prisoners in Cuba.

We create ripples constantly by our actions. Each time we buy products it supports the economy and helps to create and sustain jobs. A carefully crafted presentation that we deliver to a colleague or team may inspire them to try a new approach or develop new skills. If we set out with an intention to create positive outcomes and ripples then we are likely to fulfil that objective.

You may have a conversation with a relative, a colleague or friend that helps to increase their energy or motivation. It may be that you pass on a piece of knowledge or information that develops someone’s thinking and sparks some creativity or new ideas. It could be that you create the space to listen to someone outline some thoughts and ideas they have to solve a challenge. In doing so, you may help them to create some clarity about the steps they need to take.

Someone that has suffered some disappointment or a setback may have their spirits lifted by the positive words of support and encouragement that you offer them at that the right moment. In doing so you may provide them with the confidence and strength to persevere and to bounce back quickly.

We all have the ability to make a positive contribution and make a difference to our own environments and our part of the world in our own unique way. It is a choice. We can choose to create positive ripples.

As Sir Winston Churchill once said “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

If we have a genuine desire and intention to help people, the chances are we will create those positive ripples and in doing so help to make the world a better place.

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and consider some ways that you can make a difference and create some positive ripples in your environments.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk