The Sum of Small Decisions

This weekend, I experienced a lovely reminder of a valuable lesson I learned while writing Shape magazine's Weight-Loss Diary column: I am the sum of the small decisions I make every day.

 

When you're trying to lose a significant amount of weight -- in my case, 25 pounds -- it can seem intimidating and near impossible when you look at the big picture. But when you break it down, pound by pound, those little goals suddenly feel much more achievable.

 

During the weight-loss process, those little choices had huge impact. Should I eat a burger or grilled chicken for lunch? Do I want one cookie or two? Should I add an extra five minutes to my workout or stop now? Each of those small decisions -- those little choices -- had a significant impact on the big picture.

 

Now, for the lovely reminder part.

 

If you read last Thursday's post, I wrote about a writing colleague named Lori Hall Steele and the efforts of a group of her writing friends to raise money to help pay her mortgage and medical bills as she fights a significant battle with ALS. The original challenge was for each person in our writing community to send $25 -- not a huge amount of money by any measure. Not only did the community respond, but because of the publicity generated through blogging, press releases, stories and other media coverage, as of yesterday, the effort had raised thousands of dollars for Lori.

 

Amazing, isn't it?

 

Who'd have thought that each "little choice" to send $25 and write about a colleague's situation would add up to such a hefty sum to help her out?

 

I hope you'll remember Lori's story when you're faced with a task that feels too big -- whether it's losing weight, finding time to exercise and eat healthy, or simply learning to love yourself, just as you are. We are the sum of our small choices.

 

Make some good ones today.

 

If you'd like to learn more about Lori or make a donation, please visit www.savelorishouse.com.

 

Comments

[Girl on Top]

I use the same analogy that you mentioned for running. I had a speed workout today and I just took it one step at a time. A step can become a lap which becomes 2 laps which becomes more miles than we think we can accomplish!

Every little thing matters.

[Sagan]

Thanks! I'll definitely be remembering this when things seem too overwhelming/daunting.

[Beth]

November 19th, 2008:Lori Hall Steele Update
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_325105009.html