The Ripple Effect: Your One-Small-Act Challenge
- Ajmal Samuel
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
When you push a boat into calm water, your first rowing stroke is simple, just catching water and pulling the oar. This small action does more than move you forward. It creates ripples that spread across the water, reaching shores you might never see.
My years of adventures, endurance sports, and running businesses have taught me a clear lesson: a kind act works the same way.
We often think big gestures, like huge donations or world-changing ideas, are needed to make a difference. But real, lasting change comes from small, thoughtful acts we do every day. These acts are the heart of the World Kindness Movement (WKM), and they guide me in how I try to live.
A kind word to a struggling coworker doesn’t just lift their mood; it can improve how they connect with their family that evening. Holding a door for a stranger, listening without interrupting, or sending a quick note of thanks, these are like catching water with an oar in our shared world. Their impact grows far beyond what we can measure, touching lives in ways we may never know.
The WKM "One-Small-Act" Challenge. For World Kindness Day and beyond, I challenge you to notice the ripples you create.
Your Task: Do one small, intentional act of kindness. Then, pause and observe what happens. The effect might be immediate, like a smile, or it could quietly shift how you feel about the world.
Here are some ideas to start:
Quick Mentor Moment: See a junior colleague who seems lost? Take two minutes to share advice, no strings attached.
Thoughtful Comment: Don’t just “like” a post. Write a specific, heartfelt comment on someone’s LinkedIn achievement.
Full Attention: In your next conversation, put your phone away. Give someone your complete focus; it’s rarer than you realise.
Kindness to Yourself: Take a 10-minute walk or unplug for 30 minutes. Give yourself credit for your efforts. A kind heart spreads the strongest ripples.
You don’t need to be perfect, just purposeful. One small act can brighten someone’s day, and they might pass that kindness forward, creating a chain of goodwill.
Let’s fill the world with these ripples. Let’s build a wave of kindness that touches everything. The next person it reaches could be you.
I’d love to hear about your “one small act.” What did you do? How did it feel? Share your story below or on social media with #MyRippleEffect.
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