The Ripple Effect
Our thoughts and actions are like those stones dropped into still waters. Every action we make has effects that are beyond our action itself. Other people can see what we are doing and can follow our example. This is called The Ripple Effect.
Everything that we do and think, directly or indirectly, affects the people around us. The reactions of the people in our lives in turn affect others they come in contact with. Every choice or decision we make can cause a ripple in our lives and to the lives of the people we deal with on a day-to-day basis. In every situation, it is the reaction that we choose that can spell the difference between the pains and sufferings of our past and the happiness of our future.
As such, we should never take for granted our thoughts and actions because the impact that we have in the world is greater than we could ever imagine. Whatever choice or decision we make has far-reaching consequences to us and to the people in our lives.
We can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference in our lives and the lives of people around us. Each of our thoughts or action can be like a ripple continuously growing in size, moving toward and outward, reaching out and connecting to as many people as possible. Then our ripple becomes like a wave that keeps growing in strength and beginning to impact everyone in its path.
Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Cory Aquino have one thing in common: all of them offer their life as a shining example of what can happen when a very ordinary person decides to do something out of the ordinary. They serve as positive role models reaching out to as many people as possible and inspiring them to change their lives for the better. The ripples of non-violence and hope started by Mahatma Gandhi in India strongly influenced the “people power’’ led by Cory Aquino in the Philippines, as well as, the non-violent campaign of Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
Each one of us is different and unique. Each one can make a difference. The ripple effect can be a belief, a way of thinking or an attitude we can adopt to make an impact in our lives and on those of other people. It is a belief that we can transform ourselves not only through our actions but also through our relationship with others.
What ripples are you creating in your everyday business dealings that personalise the experience, add value and build real relationships? Never underestimate the power of one little ripple!
———
If we haven’t met before, I’d love to meet you! You can find out a little bit about me here and get in contact with me here. Are you on Twitter? You can follow me here: @mikeboyd
Outstanding article on the power of The Ripple Effect!
Ripple On!!!
[Reply]
Outstanding article on the power of The Ripple Effect!
Ripple On!!!
[Reply]
Thanks Steve! I have your book and absolutely love it. I’m a big believer in the power of the ripple and giving without expecting anything in return. Generosity will take us a long, long way in my opinion.
Coming to Australia anytime soon? I’ll buy you a beer
[Reply]
Thanks Steve! I have your book and absolutely love it. I’m a big believer in the power of the ripple and giving without expecting anything in return. Generosity will take us a long, long way in my opinion.
Coming to Australia anytime soon? I’ll buy you a beer
[Reply]
Hi Mike, Thanks for your post – its got me thinking, this idea of the ripple effect applies in all areas of our lives, & resonates for me in trying to alter people’s perceptions of race & racism in the area of education. Reading your post – there are two key dimensions 1) Real change is not in revolution, but ripplies, so be patient!! [sometimes this is soooo hard!!] & 2) What I do causes ripples so be responsible for how I behave and function and making sure that the little actions count. Look forward to reading more. Cheers, Leesa
[Reply]
Hi Mike, Thanks for your post – its got me thinking, this idea of the ripple effect applies in all areas of our lives, & resonates for me in trying to alter people’s perceptions of race & racism in the area of education. Reading your post – there are two key dimensions 1) Real change is not in revolution, but ripplies, so be patient!! [sometimes this is soooo hard!!] & 2) What I do causes ripples so be responsible for how I behave and function and making sure that the little actions count. Look forward to reading more. Cheers, Leesa
[Reply]
The Ripple Effect certainly does apply to all areas of our lives! Ripples are mostly made when you're unaware. Most material you read about the topic is focused on what you can DO specifically to create ripples in the lives of those people around you. Don't get me wrong this is FANTASTIC, but don't forget that you're creating ripples all day everyday by being open and transparent about yourself, your beliefs, your background and how you choose to interact with those around you.
Like you said Leesa, the little actions definitely count, they often count the most! The “echo” as I like to call it, the positive effect or rebounding ripple can come almost instantly or it take years. So you're correct to agree on being patient… But let me draw you back to those little actions you mentioned, they can often have a far greater impact than you will ever know.
Try an exercise: Next time you order your coffee or lunch at a takeaway shop, great the person with a BEAMING SMILE! I guarantee 9 out of 10 times you'll get an instant 'echo' with a contagious smile in reply. Then as you are handed your items, look them in the eye and say THANK-YOU, and mean it – genuinely thank them. I'm sure you'll be amazed by the ripples you can create in your everyday life with little to no effort at all.
Let us know how you go
[Reply]