People talk a lot about “daring to be big,” (as in aiming for the stars) but when’s the last time you heard someone say, “Dare to be small”?! It’s a worthy thing though, even being small. Some people struggle with the idea of really going for it and daring to think big, but I think deep down that people have even more trouble with the idea of just being a small player.
I’m not being falsely modest here. My actions are small; no two ways about it. And I’m maybe micro-famous at best, on a good day. So many people I know are doing so much more. Truly.
But, I still make a difference. I’ve shared links and written letters that ended up influencing outcomes.
It’s OK to be just a foot-soldier. Actually it’s a privilege to be a foot-soldier! The revolution might not be YouTubed. Next time I’m thinking how small I am in the scheme of things, how little I do compared with the rockstars and great leaders, I’m going to remind myself to proudly own my smallness!
Some people don’t want to do anything unless they can be the biggest and the best. Not everyone’s egos can handle just being a bit player. But the world can’t afford that attitude! If you’re one of the high-flying bigwigs, and are using your bigness in service of the greater good … that’s wonderful!!
But even if you’re just a small link in the chain, enjoy that! Revel in your role! Dare to be small. Even signing a petition is something. Or thanking the restaurant for having compostable takeout containers.
The flipside of daring to be small is realizing how much you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.
P.S. I just now stumbled on this quote: “Do What You Can.—It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little; but there are men who are always clamoring for immediate and stupendous effects, and that virtue and knowledge are to be increased as a tower or a temple are to be increased . . .” (Attributed to Edmund Burke by some sources.)