Celebrate the richness of small differences

On a certain tropical island and at a certain time of year on the beach of a certain highbrow resort, thousands of starfish are washed up on the shore. As a service to guests, the resort offers to create a memento of their stay by painting a starfish, though only after it’s been dropped into a tub of boiling water, killing it and drying it out.

One early evening, a guest was walking along the beach and as he did, he began picking up the starfish and tossing them back into the ocean. A hotel staff member, in near desperation, rushed to the guest and asked him, “What are you doing?”

Somewhat bemused, the guest replied “I’m throwing them back so they won’t all die”. Chuckling slightly, the staff member explained the souvenir process, adding, “Sir, there are thousands of them. What difference could you possibly make?”

Pausing and looking at the staff member, the guest bent down, picked up another starfish and tossed it into the ocean. Turning back to the staff member, the guest said, “Well, I made a difference to that one.”

The anecdote isn't new but when things become overwhelming there's some much needed clarity in how the smallest of actions can make as much difference as the big, transformative ones.

So chase the small wins that can accumulate and amplify.  Break the big things down into bite-size chunks and when it can't all be done, at least do what's right.

In all likelihood, you'll still make a satisfying difference, if not to something or someone's life, then at least to the cause you're pursuing.