Doing the right thing is not always about the big choices. More often, it’s about the little ones. The habits. The moments that feel invisible to the world.
It’s about the decisions we make when no one is watching.
And here’s the truth: those little decisions shape who we are, how people see us, and how we show up in the world.
Why the Small Stuff Matters
We live in a time when it’s easy to think that only big, flashy actions matter. A big campaign. A bold statement. A viral post.
But the reality? It’s the small things, done consistently, that make the biggest difference.
Think about it like marketing or communications (something I spend a lot of time on when I am traveling , posting social content or writing articles). The best campaigns aren’t built overnight. They’re built on consistent habits—publishing regularly, using positive messaging, telling stories that connect.
Life works the same way.
A Simple Anecdote
Here’s one of my favorites:
Do you cover your mouth when you sneeze and say “excuse me”—even when you’re completely alone?
Most people laugh when I ask this question. But think about it. That small act is a habit. It’s something you do without thinking. And it says something powerful about your character.
It’s not about who hears you. It’s about the choice you make, the standard you set for yourself.
Why Habits Define Us
Habits are like the meta descriptions of our lives. (Yes, I said meta descriptions. Stay with me here.)
In SEO, a meta description is that short little sentence under your link in Google. On its own, it might seem small. But it sets the tone. It tells people what to expect if they click.
Habits are the same way. They may be short, small, even unnoticed. But together, they define how others experience us.
Covering your mouth. Saying thank you. Smiling at the cashier. Using kind words in meetings in Newtown, Yardley, or Bethlehem. Sending a follow-up email after a networking event in Philadelphia or Allentown.
Small things. Big impact.
Make Positivity a Habit
One of the greatest habits we can build is choosing positivity.
Positivity is not about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about focusing on what we can do, on solutions, and on lifting others up.
At Penn State Lehigh Valley, where I serve as Director of Strategic Communications, I see this daily. Students, faculty, and staff who choose positive communication habits create a ripple effect. Their mindset spreads. It changes the energy of a room. It makes hard work feel doable and collaboration exciting.
The same is true in business. At Oakridge Leaders, I often remind clients that authentic storytelling rooted in positive habits builds trust. It also builds long-term impact far greater than any quick fix.
The Science of Doing the Right Thing
Psychologists will tell you that habits are the foundation of behavior. Once a habit forms, it doesn’t require extra energy. You don’t have to decide whether to say thank you or whether to add alt text to an image. You just do it.
That’s the beauty of making “doing the right thing” a habit.
- Hold the door for someone behind you.
- Use a person’s name when you greet them.
- Add descriptive file names to your photos (yes, even that’s a habit).
- Share uplifting stories in your workplace, whether in Middletown Township or Upper Saucon Township.
Each of these builds a pattern. A rhythm. A brand of who you are.
Anecdote #2: The Morning Walk
A friend of mine once told me about his morning walk in Langhorne. Every day, he passed the same neighbor. Some mornings he said hello. Some mornings he was tired and stayed quiet.
One day the neighbor stopped him and said, “I always look forward to your good mornings. They start my day right.”
That was it. A simple hello. But it mattered.
Now, saying good morning is a habit. Rain or shine. Tired or not. Because he knows the impact.
Anecdote #3: The Meeting Chair
In a meeting I attended in Allentown, someone always straightened the chairs after the session ended. No one asked them to. No one noticed at first. But when they weren’t there one week, the difference was obvious.
Doing the right thing became their quiet brand. Reliable. Helpful. Intentional.
And now others do it too. One small habit inspired more.
Marketing, SEO, and Habits
Okay, let’s connect this back to digital strategy—because yes, even online presence is built on habits.
- Do you write a strong headline every time (H1)?
- Do you add a meta description instead of leaving it blank?
- Do you rename your image files before uploading?
- Do you use alt text so everyone can access your content?
These are small, repeatable actions. Habits. And when you practice them consistently, they create big results.
That’s the same as saying “excuse me” when you sneeze alone. It’s who you are when no one’s watching that makes your presence stronger when everyone is.
For more tips on easy SEO, check out my related post: Easy SEO Wins: Five Simple Steps Anyone Can Use.
Making It Fun
Habits don’t have to feel like chores. They can be fun.
Think of them as little challenges you give yourself:
- Can I brighten one person’s day today?
- Can I share one positive story with my team?
- Can I post one piece of authentic content this week on Medium or LinkedIn?
The fun comes in noticing the ripple effect. Habits spread.
Final Word
Doing the right thing doesn’t require applause. It doesn’t require an audience.
It requires intention. It requires practice. And, like SEO or marketing, it requires consistency.
Cover your mouth when you sneeze—even if you’re alone. Smile at strangers. Write content with authenticity. Build a habit of positivity.
The more we practice, the more natural it becomes. And soon enough, doing the right thing isn’t a choice anymore. It’s just who we are.
If you want to explore more about building positive communication habits, check out Oakridge Leaders or my Penn State page. Together, let’s make positivity the habit that defines us.
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