I stumbled upon a particular theory while doing a mini-research some days ago. Frankly, this theory was mindblowing and provoked some pretty intense thoughts. You might have heard of it. It’s called “The Power of One”.
Well just in case you haven’t, what this principle basically postulates is that any single person (me, you, anybody really) is capable of changing the future and that one person’s actions can change the lives of many.
At first glance it may sound implausible but if you really think about it, maybe not so much.
I think in this part of the world, we prefer to be reactive especially when action is needed. A lot of times, we are held back by the defeatist mentality that “it’s only me anyway, what can I possibly do?” And so we wait for others to make a move so we can follow behind.
What if we tried a little bit? What if we stood up for what we believed in even if we stood alone? What if we stopped waiting for others and made a difference in our little way? What if we became the change we want to see in the world? What if our action was the first sign others needed to step forward and provoke a positive change? What if we start believing that one person can make a difference? What if that person is you? What if…
The possibilities are endless.
A poem by an unknown poet titled “Just One” opened my eyes to the world of difference “one” can do. Let’s consider a few basic examples. One minute can separate the day from night and usher in a new day. One tree can make a forest. Imagine if all trees waited for others, there would be no forest. Imagine if all candles waited for others in the dark, there would be no light. But we all know that a single candle can light a room, and the laughter of one baby can take away the gloom in a room.
I remember a quote from Steve Jobs, “the people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Maybe I am delusional, believing in the power of one. But I insist you don’t need to be in a position of power or influence before you cause a change. Or make a difference in the lives of others.
What are you doing in the lives of those around you? What actions are you doing in your little way to provoke a positive change?
It does not have to be something that is life-changing before you make a change; it could be random acts that uniquely affect the lives of others. Think about the family that adopted an orphan and gave him a better life. What about someone who rescued an abandoned baby? Through that action, others donated for the baby’s upkeep. What about those who provided food and relief items during this pandemic? Through their singular actions, others made additional donations to their charity cause.
I have realized that there is power in numbers which is often fuelled by the action of one person. Think about the trending hashtags, for instance, calling on justice and creating awareness on social ills like sexual abuse. Your singular action can create awareness. A second person can see the good in it and create support. A third person can use their influence to convince others to join. And a fourth can motivate their community to create a movement. The cycle continually expands to a cause greater than you could have imagined. All of this happens from the action a single person kick-started.
I believe that one step can start a journey of change. More importantly, I know that one life can make a difference. But it’s up to you to ensure that that life is yours.
Kindly input “admin” as both username and password in a prompt that comes up. This restriction only shows for first-time commenters. Kindly share your views about this as I would be reading and replying to all.
Love,
Diane
