The Hurricane Effect

How Personal Choices Create Ripple Effects

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu

Often, we overlook the immense power of small actions. A phrase I frequently share with my children is, “A little bit goes a long way.” One small moment, one small decision—a smoothie, a hamburger, a soda. Even tiny termites or ants—these small things, when combined over time, create a massive impact.

This year, I’ve focused intensely on the power of habits. I’ve read Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport, and Million Dollar Habits by Brian Tracy. Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin also provided great insight. But the book that truly started it all for me was Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect. These books share a common theme: leverage small personal choices over time.

Over the past 120 days, I’ve been laser-focused on experimenting with small actions. Throughout this time, I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds. Why? Because I embraced the power of small, consistent decisions. I didn’t realize how quickly the compound effect would take hold.

Since June 2024, I’ve read at least two personal growth books a month, written over 100,000 words, restarted running, and can now run five miles non-stop. I’ve maintained a regular sleep schedule and made the choice to give up meat for 30 days, which had an immense impact. One small decision in June has had ripple effects I never expected.

Story:

The real story comes from something my wife shared with me last night. We recently celebrated a birthday for my middle son, inviting friends and family. One family we know from our homeschool co-op was there. The mother told my wife that her oldest son remarked:

“Mr. Carl is the only man I know who is always available for his children’s events and so involved. He’s also so gentle with them.”

I didn’t realize I was being watched. But all of us are being observed by someone. Every decision produces an impact, whether we realize it or not. My goal has always been to create a passive impact—the kind of influence that naturally flows from the choices I make daily.

In 2018, I set a goal: by the time my oldest son was 10, I wanted to be running my own business, so I could be his main teacher and invest in his life, while supporting my wife in homeschooling. This one decision—to be an intentional father and invest in my children’s training—is creating ripple effects. It was incredibly encouraging to hear this reflection from a young observer.

Key Takeaways:

• Small choices lead to massive results over time.

• The compound effect accelerates results faster than anticipated.

• Being intentional with your habits and decisions shapes the impact you leave on others, even when you’re unaware of it.

Call to Action:

What about you? Are you dialed into your personal decisions? Do you have a personal vision, mission, and goals to guide your choices?

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What about you? Are you dialed into your personal decisions? Do you have a personal vision, mission, and goals to guide your choices?

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