How tiny changes can sometimes make a big difference

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.”

- Robert Brault

It’s often all too easy to get hung up on the idea of making sweeping changes in our lives. When we’re unhappy, or even just stuck in a rut, we can fall into the trap of taking stock of our lives and working out everything that needs to change, in order for us to feel happier or more secure.  

When we’re fed up at work, we might decide it’s time for a career change; when the house is a tip, we simply must redecorate throughout / find a bigger place / move to a better neighbourhood; relationship troubles? Time to call it quits and register on Tinder!

I’m exaggerating, of course, but you know what I’m getting at. We all have a tendency to focus on the bigger things in life, to view major achievements - such as a pay rise, new job, or fancy extension - as our path to happiness. The problem is, the bigger things aren’t always achievable, at least not immediately, which can result in one of two problems: either we feel overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of all the changes that we need to make and end up doing nothing, or we focus on them so completely that we forget how to live in the present and find pleasure in the little things that life has to offer. 

Here’s an example. I’ve just been lucky enough to have a wonderful holiday, which I had been looking forward to for so long and badly needed. But when I stop to think about what I really enjoyed about being away, it wasn’t all about the trip. In fact, most of what I loved about the holiday I could have enjoyed from the comfort of my own home. The real highlights were things like spending precious time with loved ones, eating delicious (and different) food, having more downtime…

Of course, it’s easy to have a great time on holiday - not least because we’re away from work, which usually means we’re super-relaxed! But it’s important to remember that we can achieve some of these things right now. Best of all? We don’t have to wait until next year! 

One thing that I try to incorporate into my daily life (not always successfully!) is ‘micro downtime’. Life can be pretty hectic, and although I’d love to have a spare hour or two every day to relax, unwind and recentre, I’m usually lucky if I get five minutes to myself. But I’m a big believer in making the most of those precious five minutes, which is why micro downtime is a great solution for me. Whenever I get the opportunity, I try to take five to practise mindfulness; relax; meditate; breathe deeply; whatever I need to do to help me unwind and find my centre again. 

Eckhart Tolle talks about a similar concept - micro meditation - which is really about using limited opportunities in our busy schedules to basically reboot our hard drives. He uses the example of getting into a car, and suggests simply taking a deep breath in, then exhaling deeply, before you start the engine. This kind of ‘micro intentionality’ can help us to achieve more and feel more content in our day-to-day lives. 

Small changes can make significant improvements in our lives, whether that means setting aside a few minutes each day for ‘me time’ or simply calling the people we love more often. 

Meaningful change doesn’t have to come from something huge like moving house or changing jobs (although that can be great too!). The little things matter just as much, and making tiny changes can be a great way to give ourselves more space, more freedom, even more control of our lives. Personally, I’d love more sunshine, but I live in Scotland so that one’s probably not in my control. And I might not be able to go to Majorca every week, but there’s nothing to stop me from indulging in a cool glass of sangria and some delicious Spanish tapas at home from time to time…