“Small things with great love. . . . It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing. And it is not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving. To God there is nothing small.” — Mother Teresa

Big rewards demand innovation over incremental change.

Big rewards signal material gain over recognition. Unhealthy behavior abounds in the push and shove contest to claim them. They bring out the worst in all of us.

Why?

Because each reward becomes the goal. Useful contributions go largely unnoticed and unrewarded in favor of big, splashy change.

There is a better path.

Small rewards signal appreciation and gratitude for a job well done.

Useful contributions are noticed on the spot and rewarded with small, meaningful gestures: a smile, a pat on the back or a word of gratitude.

Small rewards are frequent, timely, inexpensive and fitting to both the person and the goal. They never outweigh the acts, upon which the focus remains.

Small rewards are recognition: “I see you.” “I appreciate you.” “I love you.”

Each small reward is a tiny delight. A little slice of heaven. Just one, small reward can change the world. Such is the power contained in small packages.

Look for opportunities to give small rewards. Watch the universe respond in kind. Notice each day is a little brighter, people seem a little friendlier and life in general is a little kinder.

The next time you find yourself rushing from one thing to the next, take a deep breath and send a little love out into the world.

Be generous with small rewards.