You Control Nothing, But Influence Everything
When the big problems seem unsolvable,
When you question if you can make a difference,
When you wonder if anything you say or do matters,
Consider this…
You control nothing, but influence everything.
I’m gonna say that again.
You control nothing, but influence everything.
This paradox jumped out at me when I read the book “Fluke” by Brian Klaas.
Because this shift in perspective is at the heart of Ripple Effect Thinking 🌊
You can’t control outcomes, but your words, behaviors, and decisions create ripples that influence people and shape outcomes in ways you may never know.
Ripple Effect Leaders don’t rely on control to inspire action.
They create trust, foster connection and build belonging by showing up with radically human leadership.
They focus on leading from wherever they are, regardless of their role or title - with a Ripple Effect Mindset - using these five skills:
Vulnerability
Kindness
Curiosity
Empathy
Humility
These are the qualities that build trust, foster connection and build belonging.
These are the qualities that bridge the gap in an increasingly polarized world.
These are the qualities available to each and every one of you.
If you control nothing, but influence everything, then focus less on managing outcomes and more on causing ripples of positive influence.
Be someone who causes a stranger to smile.
Be someone who causes a friend to see their significance.
Be someone who causes a new connection to feel seen and heard.
Be someone who causes a colleague to feel supported when you advocate for them.
Over time, that is what drives momentum and creates meaningful, lasting impact.
You might not be able to solve the big problems right now, but you can start a ripple.
You can show up and make a difference for the person directly in front of you.
No matter who you are. No matter who they are.
And don’t forget to tell the people in your life who need to hear it right now that they matter.
That they are loved.
That they belong.
