Big Problems, Small Changes
Tiny Shifts Matter
Hey friends,
I listened to a podcast this week, and something marketing guru, Seth Godin, said struck a chord:
“Big problems only require small changes.”
He was referencing the Butterfly Effect—a poetic way of describing how complex systems change in response to small inputs. As a systems thinker myself, I deeply groked what he meant. It’s not just a platitude; it’s science. And my story is proof of it.
From Rock Bottom to Monastery
Readers of this newsletter know that about 25 years ago, I hit bottom. The stress of losing my business triggered a cascade of stress-related conditions. To heal and get my head straight, I spent months in retreat at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It was there I learned a few simple practices—small, consistent things I still do today.
Changing the System with Simple Practices
Those tiny changes rewired my brain. And that rewiring not only healed my stress illnesses, they changed how I related to myself and the world. It’s not hyperbole to say that those small inputs shifted the entire system of my life in a beautiful direction.
A Book and a Website, Built from Small Changes
I write about that journey in my upcoming book, The Healing Mindset: Mastering the Art of Skillful Awareness. (For info on preorders, click here.) It’s a practical, honest look at how meditation, shadow work, and perspective-taking catalyzed real change and healing in my life. In the book, I offer a clear, accessible process for anyone ready to make meaningful change. After years of work, I’ll finally be sharing it with you this summer!
Also, next week, I’m soft-launching my new website! It’s not a splashy unveiling. But I did want to mention this other small, meaningful change. The website’s purpose is to make getting information and support easier for those who are interested. I want you to be happy!
The Invitation: Start Small, Shift Big
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your health, your work, or the world, let me gently remind you:
- You don’t have to fix everything.
- You just need to start.
- And the start can be something small.
- A small change—made today—can shift the whole system!
Wishing you peace, clarity, and the courage to start and the momentum to keep going,
Mark
P.S. If you're ready to explore a few small changes of your own, reach out. Coaching, retreats, or even a single conversation could be the next step.
Answer the Call
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, don’t aim for a total life overhaul. Start small. A short meditation. A walk. A breath. Or maybe a conversation. I’m here for that. Whether it’s coaching, a retreat, or a quick call—let’s find your first small step. Message me and let's start a dialogue.
Questions for Reflection
How do small changes really impact big, entrenched problems?
Every system responds to feedback. A consistent shift, even small, creates a ripple that slowly redirects the whole system over time.
What’s one small thing I could start doing today?
Pause. Breathe. Name how you feel. Then ask: What would the wise version of me do next? Let that guide a small, skillful act. Then, set the intention to make a plan to keep going. If you need help, reach out.
How do I stay consistent with small practices?
Tie them to something you already do—morning coffee, brushing teeth, shutting your laptop. Let consistency grow from routine.
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