Dr. Reyaz Ahmad
In today’s fast-paced, results-driven world, success is often associated with grand gestures, intense effort, or dramatic overnight transformation. Yet, when faced with the choice between doing nothing and making small, consistent efforts, the long-term outcomes are vastly different. While doing nothing may seem safe or comfortable in the short term, it often results in stagnation, regret, or decline. On the other hand, even the tiniest efforts, when repeated over time, can accumulate to create powerful and lasting change.
Doing nothing is often rooted in fear of failure, perfectionism, procrastination, or simply being overwhelmed. Consider someone who wishes to lose weight and become healthier. They might believe that unless they can afford a gym membership, hire a personal trainer, and dedicate an hour daily to exercise, progress is impossible. As a result, they do nothing at all. Over time, their health deteriorates, their energy levels drop, and the problem deepens. The habit of inaction becomes harder to break as time goes on.
Now imagine another person with similar health goals who begins with just a ten-minute walk each day, increases their water intake, and replaces one sugary snack with fruit. These efforts may seem insignificant at first, but after six months, they’ve lost weight, feel more energetic, and are more motivated to pursue further improvements. These small adjustments trigger a ripple effect, leading to better habits and sustainable outcomes.
The same pattern plays out in personal and professional growth. Someone might dream of writing a book but never begins, waiting endlessly for the “right time.” Meanwhile, another person commits to writing just 300 words a day—roughly one page. At that pace, they will have a complete manuscript of over 100,000 words in a year. As James Clear wisely states in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Career advancement follows a similar logic. One employee may feel stuck in their role and wait passively for an opportunity to come their way, while another makes small, deliberate efforts—reading one article daily, attending a webinar each month, or applying to one new role weekly. These steady actions lead to growth in knowledge, expanded networks, and possibly a better position within the year.
What makes small efforts so effective is their achievability. They don’t require major resources or dramatic shifts. Their simplicity reduces mental resistance, making it easier to start. Over time, repetition builds habits and habits create momentum. Like financial investments, small gains made consistently yield compound returns.
Psychologically, doing nothing often comes from the all-or-nothing mindset—the belief that unless something is done perfectly or completely, it’s not worth doing. This rigid thinking is paralyzing. In contrast, taking even the smallest action breaks this cycle, proving to the brain that change is possible and reinforcing self-trust. Gradually, this shift in behavior leads to a shift in identity: you begin to see yourself as someone who shows up, someone who acts.
This idea is not new. The Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, meaning continuous improvement through small, incremental changes, helped rebuild industries after World War II. Companies like Toyota embraced this principle by encouraging every employee to make minor daily improvements, ultimately becoming one of the most efficient and successful automakers in the world. Another compelling example is Nelson Mandela. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela didn’t succumb to despair. He read, wrote letters, stayed in touch with the outside world, and engaged in deep reflection. These small daily acts of resilience helped him cultivate the strength and wisdom that later enabled him to lead South Africa through a historic transformation.
In the end, the difference between where you are and where you want to be isn’t closed by one massive leap—it’s closed inch by inch, step by step, through consistent, intentional action. Doing nothing guarantees failure. Small efforts, however humble, guarantee growth. So take the walk. Write the paragraph. Make the call. Save the dollar. Learn the word. The step may seem small, but it’s a step in the right direction—and that’s how everything begins to change.
Ask yourself today: What’s one small thing I can do right now to move closer to my goal? Then do it again tomorrow. That is how transformation begins.
Author is Faculty, Mathematics Department, General Education, SUC, Sharjah, UAE. He can be reached at reyaz56@gmail.com
