Most movements begin with an action of a single person. What we may see as common today often is the result of an uncommon action yesterday.
Rosa Parks remained in her bus seat. William Wilberforce spoke up against slavery in the British Empire. John F. Kennedy began a race for the moon with a declaration. Tank man, an unidentified protestor, stood his ground in front of a column of People’s Liberation Army (Chinese) tanks in Tiananmen Square. Yankee Short Stop Pee Wee Reese draped his arm around Brooklyn rookie Jackie Robinson to silence a jeering crowd. Solo actions that made a difference.
Few people like to act alone. Most of us prefer someone else be first. After all the first person out takes the brunt of heckling and criticism. Much better to wait to see the reaction of the crowd to the individual. Crowds are often filled with uninformed people who have no clear idea why they have even gathered.
Someone must be first. A solo is needed before the symphony kicks in. People love to talk. Few are willing to act.
Seth Godin blogged, “If you’re not prepared to sing alone, it’s difficult to get to the point where people sing along with you.” It is the soloists who must begin. Singing alone, unsure of the response, is the only means we have to get others to join in.
I may be only one, but I am one. As one I can begin. As one I can change. As one I can resist. As one I can lend my voice. As one I can sing.
One action may not change everything. What it will change is you.