A butterfly flaps its wings, and a tsunami forms on the other side of the world. What if we are both the butterfly and the tsunami in our own lives?
Small changes in the initial state of a system can lead to vastly different outcomes over time. This phenomenon, known as the butterfly effect, suggests that tiny events can create significant long-term consequences. How many small moments in your life have led you to something meaningful—or something catastrophic?
Decisions vs. Choices
- Decision – The process of evaluating options and selecting one based on reasoning, preferences, or constraints.
- Choice – The available options from which a decision is made; the act of picking one path over another.
Our daily habits and choices compound over time, shaping a lifestyle that can either build us up or tear us down. One day, we wake up and wonder: How did I get here? Whether good or bad, did your current situation appear overnight? Likely not. It was the accumulation of weeks, months, and years of specific choices that led you to this moment. Spoiler alert: It always is.
Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.”
Every decision and every choice we make is either a step toward the best version of ourselves or a step away from it. The compounding effect of both positive and negative choices can yield incredible rewards—or severe consequences. The choices we make today determine who we will become in the next two, four, or six months—and for years to come.
“Decisions lead to choices, and choices create the options that allow decisions to be made.”
The Lasting Impact of Choices
Sometimes, a single decision can have a profound and immediate impact—or ripple through our lives for years.
When I left the Navy in 2012, I had an opportunity to work as Madonna’s (yes, that Madonna) head of security at her home in L.A. I interviewed with her, toured the property, and was hired. But before I could even start, I was fired. The reason? I had been arrested once.
A miscommunication between my predecessor and Madonna’s team about my arrest led to my termination. But at the core of it, if I had never been arrested, it wouldn’t have been an issue. The choices I made that night came back to haunt me a year later.
Two other areas where my choices have profoundly impacted my life—both positively and negatively—are:
- Relationships (Friendships & Romantic)
- Health (Mind, Body, Spirit) & Fitness
Relationships: The People We Choose
I believe our relationships are one of the most important aspects of life. Our friendships and romantic partners shape our emotional and mental well-being. They influence how we perceive love, trust, and connection.
We must be mindful of who we allow into our lives. Some people will love us for a lifetime, while others will leave scars we try to forget. But both will leave imprints on our souls—forever. Our decisions in relationships have consequences on our hearts.
“Life by design does not happen by accident. To create the life you want tomorrow, you must begin with the end in mind.”
– Eric Hinman
Health: The Foundation of Our Future
Our health is something we should never take for granted—though I am guilty of doing so more than once. The way we eat, drink, and move daily determines how we feel, how we perceive the world, and the quality of our lives.
Good habits build strength over time. Bad habits silently destroy us.
Change rarely happens overnight—whether positive or negative. Sometimes, life-altering moments force us to reflect, reset, and embrace a season of growth. But if we don’t start small and stay consistent, nothing will ever change.
“On average, it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes automatic—66 days, to be exact.”
(Atomic Habits, James Clear)
“What matters is focusing on the system and making small improvements each day.”
(Atomic Habits, James Clear)
Final Thoughts: Our minor daily decisions shape the quality of our lives and our future. The choices we make—consciously or unconsciously—determine who we become.
So, what will you choose today?
Fishtales 