Life. Ever since we’ve been smart enough, we have asked ourselves frequently about the meaning of that word. Many a great minds have struggled to provide an answer. I don’t claim to know the answer myself, but I do know this. It is complex. We all are a part of this system called life that is so complex and so vast, that it is mind boggling to even think about.

Just imagine the series of events since your birth and even before that, that made you who you are today. Think of all the things that happened in the perfect order, at the right time and at the right place for you to be alive today. It is magical if you think about it. You might call it coincidence, but that’s the thing. The universe doesn’t like coincidences. It’s all probabilities!

That’s right, and that is the topic of this post. And it is called The Butterfly Effect. 

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The butterfly effect is a theory, that states that small causes can have large effects in the future. And that is exactly what life is, ladies and gentlemen. It is a set of all permutations of events imaginable, that are available to you at all times. And you progress through life making decisions after decisions choosing between paths day after day, hence, creating your “life” in the process!

The multiverse theory shares a similar concept, that states that there are infinite universes and everything that can possibly happen, has its own universe. That means, there is a universe where I am a doctor and there is a universe where I am a murderer! All happening at the same time! But this topic is for another post! 

To help you understand this concept better, I am going to give you an example of the series of events that took place on the hit sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Everybody loves friends. I watch reruns to this day! Anybody who disagrees, you bring them to me! Getting to the point, just see how the story unfolded for Monica and Chandler.

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If Monica never got fired for taking those steaks, then she wouldn’t have worked at the 50’s diner. If Monica never worked at the 50’s diner then Rachel wouldn’t have met Mark. If Rachel never met Mark she would have never worked at Bloomingdales. If Rachel never worked at Bloomingdales, she wouldn’t have met Joshua. 

If she didn’t meet Joshua, she wouldn’t have blown off Emily. If Rachel hadn’t blown off Emily, Ross wouldn’t have dated her. If Ross never dated Emily, they wouldn’t have a wedding. If Ross and Emily didn’t have a wedding, Monica and Chandler wouldn’t have gotten together!

So, now that you and I are on the same page about the butterfly effect and its importance, let’s look at some of the things you can do to use it to your advantage.

Taking Advantage of The Butterfly Effect

1. Develop Healthier Habits

Small, healthy habits now, will go a long way in the future, like eating healthier. Just 30 minutes of workout a day everyday will make a huge difference in say 10 years or 20 years! There are a lot of people suffering from chronic diseases who wish they had spent just a little time everyday to focus on their well-being. Don’t let yourself be one.

2. Be More Thoughtful of Your Decisions

Now that you know what an impact a seemingly insignificant action can have, you should be more thoughtful about every little decision you take. Now, I am not saying that you should become all paranoid about the tiniest of things. You don’t need to be in control all the time and the fact is you can’t be, even if you tried. Life is just unpredictable that way. What I’m saying is, know that your actions may have huge repercussions and you should take heed.

3. Be Nice To People

Imagine this. You go to an interview for a job at a big company. At the parking lot, you see another driver trying to park his car but you move in fast and take his place instead. Also, you tell him, "Screw you!".

Then, 15 minutes later, you enter the interview room. To your horror, the very person you crossed in the parking lot, is going to decide if or not you're going to get the job.

Lesson: Be nice to everyone. You never know who will play what role, later in life!

4. Don’t Ever Give Up

We are too quick to give up on something. Be it work or a relationship, or even life in general. That is exactly what you shouldn't do. Instead you should be persistent. Be consistent. You never know what little thing will lead you to your dreams, what little “insignificant” event will lead to your big break!

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