the broken windows theory.

i just finished malcolm gladwell's "the tipping point," (read it, seriously, and everything else gladwell has written) and in the book there is a chapter about the "broken windows theory"

this theory was proposed in a 1982 article then an entire book was written about it, but here is the basic premise:

"Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it's unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside."

this theory suggests that it is the small things that can lead to the bigger issues, such as a broken window leading to full-blown crime. the theory has been proven through a decrease of crime in areas after graffiti is cleaned up.

anyway, after reading about this it made me think of how this theory is applicable is so many everyday life situations. i like to refer to it in my own life as the "dirty dishes theory."

the dirty dishes theory suggests that a tiny mess will inevitably lead to a huge mess, like when one person in a household leaves a dirty dish in the sink therefore making it ok for the next person to leave one and eventually ok for someone to leave a dish on the table, then to leave their purse on the table, then to throw their coat over the chair and before you know it the kitchen is a disaster. (seriously, try this as an experiment with your roommates...this will happen).

there is also the "missed meeting theory" which suggests that once one person blows off a meeting for an organization "just cause they dont feel like it"  they open the door for someone else to do the same, then someone else, then the rules go down the drain and people wonder why the organization sucks because "nobody comes." (this happened with the music fraternity i belonged to---i was one of the ones who stopped coming---and i eventually quit).

i think this even applies to the "just five pounds theory." if you look at any biggest loser contestant you are seeing a living example of this one. an obese person did not wake up one morning dangerously overweight, they likely gained a few (just five) pounds until they go up a pants size, then since they can't fit in their old pants they figure why bother working out or cooking, then before long they are in the doctor's office being told that they are diabetic.

it is pretty mind-blowing to think about the concept of tipping points, and how big issues stem from small ones, but it is reassuring to know that these theories work positively as well. good habits beget good habits. you are likely to put that dish in the dishwasher when the sink is empty and wiped clean, likely to attend a meeting when you know that everyone else will be there expecting you, and likely to eat healthy when you've worked out that morning.

with that, i plan on making small positive acts turn into huge great things for me in my life. who's with me?