The importance of small wins - Tiny changes, remarkable values!

 

Reflecting on the book I once read, Atomic Habits, and also reflecting on my long Community Organising life, the importance of small wins should not be taken lightly. Going for small wins;  celebrating those small wins; and using those small wins as spring board to gain added impetus to do more is vital to win big.

We often want to see a big change all at once and focus only on big things. How about developing a habit of going for small wins every now and then and seeing the compound effect through the process? Our habits are dependent on us. They could be for us or against us. What is important is to make them for us and make them consistently for us.

‘The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us; whereas the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.’- excerpts from Atomic Habits

Time to Get Out and Vote – Democracy in Action

 

United Kingdom goes to the polls on July 4th. 

Since the election was called by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, I have had the opportunity to travel to some parts of the United Kingdom to discuss with folks about the election, their expectations and what could be done to support those who have not registered to vote. I also worked on voter registration drive in places in West Midlands and North West England.  As there are many people who are excited about the opportunity the election could bring, there are still others who told me they may not even vote.

One of my experiences is worth sharing. Whilst speaking to somebody, the person said they wouldn’t vote. I asked why they were not going to vote. They said, ‘these leaders are the same; the parties are the same; they are all the same; hence I’m not voting.’ My follow up question was, ‘when was the last time you voted?’ They replied, “it has been a while since I voted.”  I thus politely said, ‘are you all the same then?’ ‘Oh no,’ they said.  That conversation was interesting on many grounds. I hope the person will vote for what they believe in; as I do.

Coming back to the election, the ball is now in the hands of the British public and all those who are eligible to vote and decide who should lead them for the coming 5 years. Vital to participate in the election. There is no need for apathy. Apathy to participate in local democracy is not the way forward. If we want to see our voices heard; if we want to see strong civil societies that can hold the state and the market to account; if we want to see the issues we campaign for to be implemented; then it is important to get out and vote. It is important to remember that we can only win through actions. Our actions on the election day is mostly associated with our votes. Our anger could only be addressed through actions. Our hopes could only be a reality through actions.  The action we need to take is to get out and vote on the election day; and also encourage others to vote. 

Worthwhile to remember that many people around the world die to get the right to vote. Many others suffer in the hands of brutal dictators and their agents because they want to have a say in their countries’ affairs. We may not like politics but our lives are affected by politics. Hence there is a need to engage actively in local democracy and vote for what matters for us. If we don’t engage locally and use our democratic rights, we must accept what others have voted for. By the end of the day, the voice of the majority rules even if we do not agree.

Avoid apathy and get out and vote! Your Vote is Your Voice! We may not get what we vote for, but it is our chance to exercise our democratic rights. 

July 4th is the day!