What Will Your Butterfly Effect Be?

Last week I was watching the morning news on CBS television and they featured a human interest story about a gentleman named Chris Rosati who is afflicted with ALS.  As his illness has progressed, speaking has become difficult and it was clear that communication had become a supreme challenge.  He slowly and painstakingly described his decision to spend the remainder of his life influencing as many people as he could in a positive way. (I think most of us share this objective, but it was moving to appreciate that this guy is working under a deadline).  He described an exercise where he gave two young girls each $50 at a diner asking only that they do some good with the money.  He referenced the butterfly effect in describing his intent. Here is a link to the interview: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/chris-rosati-proves-the-butterfly-effect/

I have heard of the butterfly effect, which is the scientific theory that a single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe forever.  The butterfly effect suggests that any single act can have amplified ripple effects that far exceed the scope of the original event. For example, a butterfly flapping its wings can create an environmental impact that can result in a hurricane two continents away.  I am no physicist, but I do ascribe to the idea that our behaviors impact others in extraordinary ways.  I have heard countless descriptions of how one conversation or comment made in passing can serve as the lightning bolt or epiphany, changing someone’s self-perception, frame of reference or direction in life.

I was thinking about this as more than an opportunity. We have a mantle of responsibility to have a positive influence on one another.  Author Andy Andrews, author of the Noticer, describes this impact; 

“While it is true that most people never see or understand the difference they make, or sometimes only imagine their actions having a tiny effect, every single action a person takes has far-reaching consequences.” Andy Andrews

So while we are buried in our daily drama and distractions of getting by, how can we focus on this lofty goal of spreading a positive influence?  Here are some easy ways to maximize your butterfly effect…

Stay present, share your opinion and knowledge often and humbly, the benefit of your perspective could shape someone’s perspective forever.

Seek situations where you are useful and where your experience and strengths can be shared.

Trust your instinct and reach out when it feels like you should.  Don’t talk yourself out of demonstrating kindness, for fear of how it might be received.

Understand that your mood affects others, and can influence the experience of those around you. Practice emotional self-management.

Teach your children well, or your employees or your friends. Positive influence isn’t always about support, sometimes it’s about tough messages delivered with respect and compassion.

Oh yeah, back to Chris Rosati… he received an unexpected email picture sent from an Africa village in Sierra Leone.  The girls to whom he had given the money have a dad who worked in the Peace Corp, in that particular village. The villagers in the photograph were holding signs that said “Thank you for spreading kindness, Chris Rosati”. The girls had spent their money to fund a celebration for this village allowing them to celebrate that after years of struggle they were finally Ebola-free.

What will your butterfly effect be? 

imagecredit: nathab.com