Be the Change You Want to See: How Small Acts Create Big Impact

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi

The saying “Be the change you want to see in the world” is one of my favorites. It means a lot to me because it comes from a place of empowered action, not performance. It’s about owning the fact that our actions, our attitude, and even just our presence have an effect on every space we walk into and every space we leave. You can usually feel the difference between someone who’s genuinely happy to be of service and someone who’s only being “nice” out of obligation or resentment. That’s because there’s a real difference between being nice and being kind. Nice is surface-level and performative; kindness is genuine and nourishing for everyone involved.

So, when the chance comes to act differently than the status quo, or to go against the grain in a way your soul knows is right, will you choose to be the change? In theory, it’s easy to say yes. In practice, not so much. We all have to start somewhere. But "being the change we want to see in the world" takes courage, patience, persistence, and steady effort. Real change happens in small, consistent steps.

Take something simple: you’re walking and see garbage on the ground right next to a trash can. It bothers you. “Being the change” in that moment could mean that the next time you see trash, you pick it up and throw it away. Not for recognition, not to be seen as a “good person,” but simply because you want to be part of the solution instead of the problem. And who knows—maybe someone driving by sees you do it. You’ve just planted a seed in their mind, showing them a different way of responding. Later, when they come across literal or metaphorical “trash,” they might remember your example and make a new choice.

And while small acts may seem insignificant, they matter. Over time, they build momentum and when enough people choose differently, the ripple becomes too big to ignore.

Of course, the responsibility doesn’t fall on individuals alone. But when enough people decide to embody change in their everyday lives, the ripple effect grows. Eventually, that collective effort builds pressure, and even those in power are forced to shift. That’s where patience and perseverance come in—along with love. Not love as performance, but love as a real, courageous choice.

And love is really at the heart of it all. Love takes many shapes. I can love someone as a human being and still hold them accountable for harm. I can love someone and also give them the space to grow—or the freedom to stay stuck if that’s the path they choose. Love isn’t always soft, but it is always powerful.

That’s why I believe being the change we want to see also happens in the emotional realm. Change comes in many forms—loud and quiet, visible and invisible. At the end of the day, change really is the only constant. So the question becomes: how will you show up for it? Will you choose to learn and grow through hard changes? Will you embody the love and respect you hope to receive from others?

It’s not always easy. But it’s beautiful—almost magical—when you look back and realize the positive impact your small, consistent steps have made on your world.