"It is so easy to overestimate the importance of one defining moment and underestimate the value of making small improvements on a daily basis."
James Clear
Sometimes, when we think about making changes in our lives—whether in how we parent, approach relationships, or navigate family life—it can feel overwhelming. We imagine needing to turn our world upside down or make huge sacrifices. But here's the truth: big results often come from small, consistent changes. Let me share a metaphor that helps explain this: the 1-degree change.
The Airplane Metaphor
Imagine you’re a pilot flying from Sydney to Perth. If the plane is just one degree off course when it takes off, it won’t feel like much at first. The passengers wouldn’t notice anything different. But as the flight continues, that tiny deviation adds up. By the time you’re supposed to land in Perth, you could end up hundreds of kilometers away in the middle of the desert.
It’s a small shift at the start, but over time, it dramatically changes the destination.
This principle isn’t just about planes; it’s about life. A small change in your direction—just one degree—can lead to a completely different outcome over time.
Applying the 1° Change in Life
Here’s a few ideas to help illustrate the “1° Change in Life”. If you like these ideas, you can try some or you might come up with your own 1° changes that fit better with your values and goals. The main point is to think about how a tiny change can lead to a big result.
Personal Growth
Want to feel calmer or more present in your day-to-day life? You don’t need to overhaul your schedule or become a meditation guru overnight. Start small:
Spend one minute every morning taking slow, deep breaths.
Choose to drink a glass of water before your morning coffee.
These tiny steps are like shifting your plane by one degree. Over weeks or months, they can lead to more energy, focus, and peace.
Want to feel more confident or build better habits? You don’t have to reinvent yourself overnight. Focus on one small, meaningful change:
Start your day by writing down one thing you’re grateful for.
Choose to replace one negative thought with a kinder one, like swapping “I’m terrible at this” for “I’m still learning.”
Parenting
Parenting can be tough and we all want to be the best parent we can be, but the idea of being a “better parent” can feel heavy. What’s helpful to remember is that being “better” isn’t about perfection; it’s about small, intentional actions.
Instead of rushing through bedtime, spend just one extra minute listening to your child talk about their day.
Swap one “not now” for a “let’s do it together” once a week.
These moments, tiny as they seem, build connection and trust over time—strengthening your relationship.
Parenting is full of big emotions—both for kids and parents! Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, focus on one small change:
When your child is upset, pause before reacting and simply say, “I’m here; let’s figure this out together.”
Pick one routine, like morning drop-offs or bedtime, and add a moment of connection—a hug, a joke, or a quick “I love you.”
These little shifts show your child that they’re safe and valued. Over time, they help build a stronger bond and a calmer, more connected relationship.
Relationships
Whether it’s with your partner, a family member, or a friend, relationships thrive on small acts of kindness and attention.
Send a quick text to say, “I’m thinking of you,” or thank them for something they’ve done.
Make eye contact and really listen when they speak, even if it’s just for two minutes.
These small shifts create ripples that strengthen bonds and bring you closer to the people you care about.
Strengthening relationships doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s often the small, consistent actions that matter most. Try focusing on one simple change:
Make a habit of saying, “I appreciate you,” and naming one specific thing they’ve done.
When they share something—big or small—respond with curiosity by asking, “Tell me more about that.”
These small moments of attention and appreciation create a sense of being seen and valued, deepening your connection over time.
Family Life
Families are systems, and small changes in one part of the system can influence the whole family. If family dinners are chaotic, try starting with a simple change:
Take turns with one minute each for everyone to share something they appreciated about their day.
Turn off devices for just the first five minutes of mealtime.
Over time, these adjustments can transform the way your family connects.
Creating a more connected family life doesn’t have to mean huge changes or new routines. Start with one small adjustment:
Introduce a weekly “family gratitude jar” where everyone writes down one thing they’re thankful for. Read them out together at the end of the week.
Try swapping one TV night for a board game or video game you can play together.
These small tweaks can help your family share more laughter, build stronger connections, and create lasting memories.
Why the 1° Change Works
Small changes are sustainable.
Unlike big or drastic resolutions that can feel too hard to maintain, a 1-degree shift is achievable.
You don’t need to wait for New Year’s Day or for life to settle down. You can start right now.
Small changes also create momentum. Each small win builds confidence and motivation, making it easier to take the next step. Change is kind of like a snowball rolling down a hill. The positive change may start as a tiny little snowball, but as you keep noticing and doing more of what works, the snowball gains size as it rolls down the hill….the positive change gets bigger and bigger.
In counselling and therapy, this is called “amplifying” the change.
Your Life, Your Flight Plan
Take a moment to think about an area of your life where you’d like to see change.
Ask yourself:
What’s one small, doable action I can take today?
How can I adjust my course by just one degree?
Remember, you don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to see immediate results.
Just like the airplane, the destination will shift over time. Trust the process and know that those small adjustments add up.
Where will your 1-degree change take you?
Leonie :)
Dr Leonie White - Clinical Family Therapist and Psychologist
Helping people grow, connect and thrive in life’s unique journey.
Please note - this article is educational in nature and does not constitute therapy advice.
Please seek help from a professional if you require support.
Resources:
For more ideas on change check out my blog
Another great resource is the book "Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results" by James Clear
Photo Attributions:
Photos from Vecteezy Pro
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