One Small Change
We stopped using our dishwasher last October and sometimes leave clean dishes in a drying rack overnight. My husband usually wakes up before me and on some mornings, he puts all the dishes away. Even though I have plenty of time to do it when I wake up, he does it first. It takes less than 5 minutes, but that small gesture can change my day. When I walk into the kitchen and see the clean counter, it makes me smile. That small gesture is an act of love.
We need to think more about how we can improve relationships, business and all circumstances by asking, “What is the one small thing I can do in this moment?”
You won’t be surprised to hear that I don’t think more is better in most circumstances. Think about how much better the first bite of dark chocolate tastes compared to the next (or the 20th). The shortest phrases like I love you, thank you and I’m sorry can move mountains and the simplest, smallest changes can result in the biggest improvements.
Sometimes, when we think about all the changes we need or want to make, overwhelm sets in. That is the easiest time to put change and growth on the back burner and start a favorite TV show or bag of chips. I’ve been there. I’ve gone there. (both places and others)
Once you are aware of when you are overwhelmed, you can begin to close the gap between action and awareness. Even better, you can calm the overwhelm, take a deep breath and remind yourself that one small change will do.
Real Life Examples
Mending Fences. If you’ve done something wrong and are overwhelmed by how to fix things, start with a simple, “I’m so sorry.”
Paying Debt. If collection calls and interest charges have you hiding under the covers, simply send all calls to voice mail and make a plan.
Losing Weight. Choose one apple or a walk after dinner instead of sending your body into stress mode by starting a big restrictive diet.
Real Business Examples
Getting it all done. If you are overwhelmed by everything you have to get done in a day, stop checking email first thing and do one important thing first. Use that sense of accomplishment to do the next. Read The Power of Less for simple ways to do better business.
New things. Afraid to jump into social media because you don’t know the difference between a timeline and a retweet? Read this and start a Twitter account. Tweet one helpful article or piece of advice each day. Just one.
Money. If you’ve recently started your own business or you’d like to earn an income from a new business, but are overwhelmed with the idea of asking for money, help one person for free and ask them for a testimonial. When you can see the value of your services through another set of eyes, you can begin to ask for money and feel good about it. You are worth it. If you are selling something good and helpful, you deserve to make money.
The Good Blog Project
I recently began selling something good and helpful and am excited to share it with you.
This is a course/consulting/collaboration project all in one and is only open to 10 people
This 5 Week program is for you if:
- You have a blog and are ready to grow your readership.
- You want to take things to the next level but don’t know where to start.
- You want to collaborate and support other bloggers but haven’t formed a strong network.
- You want to generate revenue without spammy ads on your site.
- You want to create multiple revenue streams from your blog.
- You want your blog to support your existing business.
- You want to simplify your workflow.
- You want to create and contribute with a blog that is good and does good.
If that sounds like you, read on for more details…
There will only be 10 participants in this 5 week project. These 10 bloggers will become your network, your circle and I’ll teach you how to help each other. You won’t all be in a similar niche, but you will all strive to help others with your blog topic. We’ll be working collaboratively through Google Docs, as another opportunity to connect.
As one of the 10 participants, you’ll receive …
- 2 thirty minute 1:1 coaching calls with me
- unlimited email support each week
- 2 blog reviews before/after
- weekly homework assignments
- writing assignments with open critique
- 4 weekly live webinars to elaborate on the week’s topic and time for Q&A
- all course materials listed here.
Each week will have 3 overall objectives: 1. Grow Readership. 2. Generate Revenue. 3. Do it simply and honestly.
Bonus: I know I am starting to sound like the Ginsu knife guy, but I want this to be productive and fun, so I’ll also be sending you …
- a weekly music mix
- a mini-exercise routine to help get the creative juices flowing
- my best writing practices
If that’s not enough, with your permission, I’ll include you in a special case study post on Be More with Less for business. I want to show you (and the world) that you don’t have to be an expert in anything or make massive change to succeed. You only need to know enough about what really matters. Instead of getting lost in the details and fear of technology, let’s make progress and do good!
After signing up, you’ll receive a survey so I can better assess your needs.
Moving forward this program will be offered for $995 or more, but for the first session, I’m offering a reduced rate of $750. Email me for more information or buy now to get started on May 21 …
$750
Not sure if this is right for you? Ask me.
P.S. If a payment plan is helpful, let me know!
“What is the one small thing you can do in this moment to make a difference to you or someone else?”
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to Be More with Less and connect with me on Twitter.







I love that you are offering this! I’ve followed for a while and you have much to teach, much to share. Can’t afford it right now but just wanted to say thanks for doing this!!
Thanks Heidi, Let me know if there are other ways I can be helpful.
I really enjoy reading your post but I do get a little concerned that it is a growing industry, we are trying to down size, get out of debt, etc. and everyone has the right to make a living and charge for their expertise .maybe the answer it to keep the courses etc. completely separate for the people who want to do this work professionally as life coaches , whatever – just a thought…but I did think – more money to spend……Pat
Hi Pat, If I understand your comment, you’d rather I keep business posts on a separate site. I usually do that but occasionally like to share what I’m offering to all readers. If anything comes your way that doesn’t appeal, feel free to toss it and browse the archives. The majority of posts are all about downsizing, going debt free, and living with less and they are all 100% free.
Thanks so much for your feedback!
thanks so much for your reply which I totally agree with, maybe living in South Africa leaves me frustrated that there is so much I cannot join in….but make no mistake, I think you are just great Pat
My motto in life (and the reason I started blogging) is to never underestimate the power of small change. As a minimalist lover and personal finances geek, this statement works two-fold for me. It relates to improving both your life and your money. Small change is often the most powerful tool we can use to better ourselves. The tips you share here are easy, but can have profound results if we take action. Great post!
I needed this, I just finished my coffee & wanted an inspiring read before I exercise, as I am feleing lethargic. One small change hey, but where to start? Tossing 2 things a day, I’ll start there. thanks