About this quote

Real change usually begins with one person deciding to do something instead of waiting. That decision can be tiny — a phone call, a sign-up, one hour of work — but it breaks the passivity. Ask yourself what one small action you can take right now and schedule it into your day. When enough people take those small steps, the situation actually shifts.

When to use it

• At the office recycling meeting: "I'll take charge of the bins and set a weekly pickup schedule so we stop letting it pile up."
• During a college group project discussion: "I'll write the first draft tonight so we have something to critique tomorrow."
• At the neighborhood park clean-up: "I'll plant those saplings on the east slope — otherwise no one will get to it."
• When the PTA needs volunteers for the fundraiser: "I'll run the signup list and call three parents tonight so the event can happen."