I love when someone else’s epiphany or revelation of sorts sparks something in my own mind, something more than just “Oh! I know how you feel!,” but a reaction and a Light Bulb Moment that weaves itself into my very own personal dogma.
Nicole did it here.
Nilsa’s done it a few times, and sure enough – did it again.
She discussed the differences between Big Picture People and Little Picture People, and I began to evaluate where I fall.
I want to say Big Picture. I want to say that I’m a mover, a shaker. A Gets-Things-Done-er. That I’m a Big Idea person, that I have the balls and the energy and the ambition to Do Big Things.
And I might.
But when she lays out the Little Picture Person ideas – the person that builds networks within their own communities, who shows up for life on a daily – albeit sometimes routine – basis, who makes small donations to a number of charities to support her friends, rather than large donations to one passion cause, who takes little baby steps to keep the momentum of the Big Steps that the Movers and Shakers initially took – that sounds much more like me.
I know Big Picture People. They’re inspirers. People who won’t settle for mediocre, for average. When they go big, they GO BIG. Balls to the walls. Can fuel a whole movement with their passion and heart.
God bless the Big Picture People.
The more I think about it though, the more I look at my participation and involvement in various projects, the more I realize I’m probably more of a Little Picture Person. I’m someone giving $5 to 10 different causes, rather than $50 to one. I’m someone spreading the word of your one big idea. I’m someone making connections and learning from everyone I can.
It seems as though there’s pressure sometimes – in a good way – to be a Big Picture Person. We live in a time where change is happening, is encouraged. Where people are overhauling their lives for Big Ideas, where new initiatives to save the planet, save our souls, save our relationships are everywhere. What’s my Big Idea? What’s my contribution to the world, to society, to my generation going to be?
I might never start a movement, a revolution, or even a trend. But what I will do is keep the momentum going behind the things that I am passionate about. I will burn the midnight oil, do the heavy lifting, walk the long roads all to bring awareness, change, attention and love to The Important Things.
I have ideas about how to bring my yoga practice to make a difference in other people’s lives. I have a desire to reach certain groups, to mentor, to encourage. I’m still young in my practice and especially in any teaching role, but I have an idea about where I want this path to lead me. And while I may never be Shiva Rea and lead conferences and retreats to an international audience, if I can help mentor or inspire the life of a few young people in such a way that they can continue to pay that forward?
I like that Little Picture.
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with you and the others…Little Picture people make the world go round. Without all of our heavy lifting and and love, a lot of those Big Ideas would never get off the ground. Good for you for recognizing the value in each role
.
Yes, BOTH roles are crucial and I love what Jenn said just above here – thatthe MOST important thing is being a part of the picture at all.
Awesome post, Doni. Not just because you linked to me (but, many thanks for doing so). But, because I love watching you figure out how you fit into this big world we live in. And from what I know about you, I think you'll influence the lives of many (as if you haven't already). And regardless of whether you're a big picture or little picture person, that's really really admirable.
Thank you first for sharing your thoughts and reflections as they've morethan once sparked some introspection in my own life, and I appreciate that. Also, I loved that you wrote about attributing ideas, etc., on the day Ifootnoted you, ha. Thanks, Nilsa.
I love this post- I love the big picture people I know, but as much as I can stand back and go "Wow!" I know that's not me. I'm not interested in starting a revolution around me, I'm interested in supporting my friends by being an on call, 24/7 support. I want to have the freedom to do big things from a stable foundation. I think more than big or little- it's just incredibly important to be engaged in the people around us in whatever way we feel we can best make an impact.
I am a big picture person and find it hard to have all the little things add up. I shoot for the goal and it just happens. Kind of an illness really.
Wow. Both you and Nilsa have a knack for "sparking" some major thoughts in my head! I've always wanted to be a "Big Picture Person", because I think I always thought that's what mattered, and you weren't really making a difference unless you were making a BIG difference. But after reading both of your posts, I realize how important it is to be a Little Picture Person too! Big Picture Ideas wouldn't make it without the Little Picture people helping them along the way. Sometimes it takes a million Little Picture People's donations to help that Big Picture Person reach their million dollar goals
Thanks ladies, for making me really think on a Tuesday morning 
I'm definitely a little picture person, at least for now! I'd love to be a Big Picture Person some day but my life/lifestyle doesn't lend itself to be that kind of person so I'm more than happy to move forward with the small contributions, community involvement and hopefully infectious behavior as I go. And if I'm never a Big Picture Person, I'm okay with that. Here and now is what it's all about!
Knowing some of the "little picture" work you do, I think it's safe to sayyou're making a HUGE difference. Very awesome.
Thank goodness both types of people exist and work together, huh?
Thank you so much for sharing this, Lindsey! I think the bottom line in allof this is intention and compassion, and when you do whatever work you do tomake someone's life better, then Big or Little Picture, you still make ahuge difference. It's fun to see what Nilsa sparked in my thoughts hasmoved forward and sparked others. Awesome stuff.
Huh. I wasn't prepared for this much inspiration in one shot but I'll certainly take it!Wonderful post.
Next time I'll warn you.And thank you
I so relate to this post and these ideas. As a teacher, I see people making BIG differences in the world, and sometimes, I wish I was a BIG PICTURE person. But I'm trying to learn to be content with the 115 souls I'm given each year, and viewing them as an opportunity to make a difference.
Awesome post, Doni. Not just because you linked to me (but, many thanks for doing so). But, because I love watching you figure out how you fit into this big world we live in. And from what I know about you, I think you'll influence the lives of many (as if you haven't already). And regardless of whether you're a big picture or little picture person, that's really really admirable.
Thank you first for sharing your thoughts and reflections as they've more
than once sparked some introspection in my own life, and I appreciate that.
Also, I loved that you wrote about attributing ideas, etc., on the day I
footnoted you, ha. Thanks, Nilsa.
I am a big picture person and find it hard to have all the little things add up. I shoot for the goal and it just happens. Kind of an illness really.
Wow. Both you and Nilsa have a knack for “sparking” some major thoughts in my head!
I've always wanted to be a “Big Picture Person”, because I think I always thought that's what mattered, and you weren't really making a difference unless you were making a BIG difference. But after reading both of your posts, I realize how important it is to be a Little Picture Person too!
Big Picture Ideas wouldn't make it without the Little Picture people helping them along the way. Sometimes it takes a million Little Picture People's donations to help that Big Picture Person reach their million dollar goals
Thanks ladies, for making me really think on a Tuesday morning
Knowing some of the “little picture” work you do, I think it's safe to say
you're making a HUGE difference. Very awesome.
Thank goodness both types of people exist and work together, huh?
BINGO.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Lindsey! I think the bottom line in all
of this is intention and compassion, and when you do whatever work you do to
make someone's life better, then Big or Little Picture, you still make a
huge difference. It's fun to see what Nilsa sparked in my thoughts has
moved forward and sparked others. Awesome stuff.
Yes, BOTH roles are crucial and I love what Jenn said just above here – thatthe MOST important thing is being a part of the picture at all.
Huh. I wasn't prepared for this much inspiration in one shot but I'll certainly take it!
Wonderful post.
Next time I'll warn you.
And thank you
*presses nonexistent LOVE button*
This post is incredibly thought provoking. It reminds me of a favorite West Wing scene where Barlet says to Josh, "You want to know the difference between you and me? I want to be the guy. You want to be the guy the guy counts on."The world is made up by the balance between people like you and people like me. I am all bigidea! and you are all this-is-how-we-make-it-happen!
Which is why we work so damn well, woman.
And I love that you brought it back to the West Wing.
Everything comes back to the West Wing. Where have you been?!
I love this post- I love the big picture people I know, but as much as I can stand back and go "Wow!" I know that's not me. I'm not interested in starting a revolution around me, I'm interested in supporting my friends by being an on call, 24/7 support. I want to have the freedom to do big things from a stable foundation. I think more than big or little- it's just incredibly important to be engaged in the people around us in whatever way we feel we can best make an impact.
I'm definitely a little picture person, at least for now! I'd love to be a Big Picture Person some day but my life/lifestyle doesn't lend itself to be that kind of person so I'm more than happy to move forward with the small contributions, community involvement and hopefully infectious behavior as I go. And if I'm never a Big Picture Person, I'm okay with that. Here and now is what it's all about!
Why do we have to be one or the other? I've been told that people find insipiration in the way I deal with details and want to make things better. But I want to make things better for the Big Picture.And I tend to be one to get things done, get that project off the ground or pull of that coup.Or is it just one more area of life that I can flip back and forth between easily to adapt to what needs to be done?Now you have me thinking. BOO THINKING AFTER 3pm!
YES! I got you thinking, awesome. I'm not saying you can't be both, justreflecting more where I believe I fall and how the balance is crucial.
I so relate to this post and these ideas. As a teacher, I see people making BIG differences in the world, and sometimes, I wish I was a BIG PICTURE person. But I'm trying to learn to be content with the 115 souls I'm given each year, and viewing them as an opportunity to make a difference.
I feel the same way — people around me are all superstars, but I feel like I belong to a small part of each of their causes. Being a Little Picture person is totally legit — I think the most important thing is being involved in the "picture"
I agree with you and the others…Little Picture people make the world go round. Without all of our heavy lifting and and love, a lot of those Big Ideas would never get off the ground. Good for you for recognizing the value in each role
.
BINGO.
I clicked over onto Nilsa's post once I was finished reading yours, and it all just kind of pieced together in my head.It made me realize that I've wanted to be a big picture person- and am always striving to be, but that it's okay to be a little picture person because really, they're just as influential. Definitely some thought provoking posts this morning, that's for sure.
This post is incredibly thought provoking. It reminds me of a favorite West Wing scene where Barlet says to Josh, "You want to know the difference between you and me? I want to be the guy. You want to be the guy the guy counts on."The world is made up by the balance between people like you and people like me. I am all bigidea! and you are all this-is-how-we-make-it-happen!
Which is why we work so damn well, woman.
And I love that you brought it back to the West Wing.
Why do we have to be one or the other? I've been told that people find insipiration in the way I deal with details and want to make things better. But I want to make things better for the Big Picture.And I tend to be one to get things done, get that project off the ground or pull of that coup.Or is it just one more area of life that I can flip back and forth between easily to adapt to what needs to be done?Now you have me thinking. BOO THINKING AFTER 3pm!
YES! I got you thinking, awesome. I'm not saying you can't be both, justreflecting more where I believe I fall and how the balance is crucial.
I think supporting good ideas is just as important as having/leading them because without the supporters nothing would ever be brought to fruition!
I feel the same way — people around me are all superstars, but I feel like I belong to a small part of each of their causes. Being a Little Picture person is totally legit — I think the most important thing is being involved in the “picture”
*presses nonexistent LOVE button*
Everything comes back to the West Wing. Where have you been?!
I clicked over onto Nilsa's post once I was finished reading yours, and it all just kind of pieced together in my head.
It made me realize that I've wanted to be a big picture person- and am always striving to be, but that it's okay to be a little picture person because really, they're just as influential. Definitely some thought provoking posts this morning, that's for sure.
I hear ya… I think I'm a little picture person but that's not necessarily a bad thing. And if you can make a difference, at all, that's awesome!
P.S. @mattstratton told me to visit. So I did. 
I think supporting good ideas is just as important as having/leading them because without the supporters nothing would ever be brought to fruition!
I wonder… are the people who're working on one major project always "big picture" people? Maybe the people who know that they have to balance all different parts of their life and help out in lots of different ways are the real "big picture" folks. I've seen my share of people get so attached to an idea that they can't see the big reality of what they're getting in to.
I hear ya… I think I'm a little picture person but that's not necessarily a bad thing. And if you can make a difference, at all, that's awesome!
P.S. @mattstratton told me to visit. So I did. 
I wonder… are the people who're working on one major project always "big picture" people? Maybe the people who know that they have to balance all different parts of their life and help out in lots of different ways are the real "big picture" folks. I've seen my share of people get so attached to an idea that they can't see the big reality of what they're getting in to.
So here's the plan: you, me and nicole all find a 3 or 4 bedroom place in Lincoln Park or even down in River North – start our own little blogging think tank over several bottles of wine and dirty martinis and order pizza until we are blue in the face. Thoughts??
So here's the plan: you, me and nicole all find a 3 or 4 bedroom place in Lincoln Park or even down in River North – start our own little blogging think tank over several bottles of wine and dirty martinis and order pizza until we are blue in the face. Thoughts??
Hi.I don't think I've ever introduced myself, but I'm Ashley.I like your blog…a lotAnd more on topic, I used to think I was a Big Picture Person, but now, as I've gotten older, and my worldview has changed, I just want to make my littler corner of this life comfortable, and fun and happy
Great post Doni! I loved Nilsa post and this one is just as awesome. I know I am a little picture person and I'm 100% ok with that. I don't think you need to have a big revolution to change the world or someones life, the simpliest acts can do that. I greatly admire big picture people but for me its more about community and being someone people know they can count on. I dont have one great cause in my life other than helping in any way I can.
Hi.I don't think I've ever introduced myself, but I'm Ashley.I like your blog…a lotAnd more on topic, I used to think I was a Big Picture Person, but now, as I've gotten older, and my worldview has changed, I just want to make my littler corner of this life comfortable, and fun and happy
Comment attempt, take 2.I absolutely adore your style of writing. And this piece? It gets my Post of the Day Award. Definitely.My best friend, Brandon, is a Big Picture Person. He works for Amnesty International. He is attending school to become a doctor, with the goal of working for Doctors Without Borders. He cares, loves and speaks on a world scale. He is inspirational, and his passion always has me backing his ideas.I, on the other hand, have those Big Picture Ideas, but live the majority of my life happily focussing on the Little Picture. I spend my free time putting on ringette clinics for the up-and-comers. I teach and I train on a community scale. I am the advice-giver. The supporter. The one Brandon can turn to at 2:30am on a Thursday when he needs last minute help putting together a project or proposal. I work hard to make my life the best it can be, and to spread that energy around my community. My decision to work my way out of the hot shot global company I'm currently at, and back to personal training was sparked by wanting to be more involved in my community – where on a daily basis, I can see, feel & hear the results of my hard work. I want the world to be a better place. And while the Big Picture People are creating this better place change on a world scale, I'm working from my backyard.We need both.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I love the "I'm working from my backyard"thing. And thanks for the compliments, you are so sweet!
Maybe you're not so much a little picture person but a puzzle piece of the big pictures. I feel the same way. I've got my own big picture, but that's for ME, not for the world… and when the world comes in, I just do little things here and there where I can–because nothing big can be done without small steps. Spreading the word. Sharing the perspective. I think maybe you and I are a lot alike in that respect.
I kind of think you and I are a lot alike in a lot of respects
And I like the puzzle piece thing!
Comment attempt, take 2.I absolutely adore your style of writing. And this piece? It gets my Post of the Day Award. Definitely.My best friend, Brandon, is a Big Picture Person. He works for Amnesty International. He is attending school to become a doctor, with the goal of working for Doctors Without Borders. He cares, loves and speaks on a world scale. He is inspirational, and his passion always has me backing his ideas.I, on the other hand, have those Big Picture Ideas, but live the majority of my life happily focussing on the Little Picture. I spend my free time putting on ringette clinics for the up-and-comers. I teach and I train on a community scale. I am the advice-giver. The supporter. The one Brandon can turn to at 2:30am on a Thursday when he needs last minute help putting together a project or proposal. I work hard to make my life the best it can be, and to spread that energy around my community. My decision to work my way out of the hot shot global company I'm currently at, and back to personal training was sparked by wanting to be more involved in my community – where on a daily basis, I can see, feel & hear the results of my hard work. I want the world to be a better place. And while the Big Picture People are creating this better place change on a world scale, I'm working from my backyard.We need both.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I love the "I'm working from my backyard"thing. And thanks for the compliments, you are so sweet!
Maybe you're not so much a little picture person but a puzzle piece of the big pictures. I feel the same way. I've got my own big picture, but that's for ME, not for the world… and when the world comes in, I just do little things here and there where I can–because nothing big can be done without small steps. Spreading the word. Sharing the perspective. I think maybe you and I are a lot alike in that respect.
I kind of think you and I are a lot alike in a lot of respects
And I like the puzzle piece thing!
Community. I absolutely love that word, what it conveys, and how it's formed. Love it.
Hello, and so nice to meet you! Thanks so much for taking the time to introduce yourself, and for the really kind words. I agree on your point, also – making your corner of the world the best it can be will absolutely domino outward and continue to impact the people in your life who will impact those in theirs, etc. It's gotta start somewhere
DONE. NicoleAntoinette, do you hear this? We have a date with this lovely lady in the Windy City to plot our World Domination. Let's get on this. Go go gadget awesome.
Great, great point. I suppose it all depends on your focus and intention.
Well thanks for saying hi! And thanks @mattstratton for sending you here.
Bingo! That's exactly it. We all serve different roles, but we absolutely all need each other.
I should really talk to Disqus or Wordpress about that LOVE button. Ok, "love button" sounds a little weird.
I DEFINITELY had teachers in mind when I wrote this. Oh. My. God. you people make a difference in the lives of SO MANY people every single day and every single year. I think it's such a beautiful thing.
YES, here and now, and doing what you can do with a heart in the right place. As I always know yours is
Yes, both Big and Little Picture People are necessary to get ANYthing done. And maybe you oscillate between the two? That'd be pretty nifty.
Community. I absolutely love that word, what it conveys, and how it's formed. Love it.
Hello, and so nice to meet you! Thanks so much for taking the time to introduce yourself, and for the really kind words. I agree on your point, also – making your corner of the world the best it can be will absolutely domino outward and continue to impact the people in your life who will impact those in theirs, etc. It's gotta start somewhere
DONE. NicoleAntoinette, do you hear this? We have a date with this lovely lady in the Windy City to plot our World Domination. Let's get on this. Go go gadget awesome.
Bingo! That's exactly it. We all serve different roles, but we absolutely all need each other.
Yes, both Big and Little Picture People are necessary to get ANYthing done. And maybe you oscillate between the two? That'd be pretty nifty.
And you are one of the most engaged and available and reliable friends I've ever known, so you've got that nailed down pretty well.
Great, great point. I suppose it all depends on your focus and intention.
Well thanks for saying hi! And thanks @mattstratton for sending you here.
I should really talk to Disqus or Wordpress about that LOVE button. Ok, “love button” sounds a little weird.
I DEFINITELY had teachers in mind when I wrote this. Oh. My. God. you people make a difference in the lives of SO MANY people every single day and every single year. I think it's such a beautiful thing.
YES, here and now, and doing what you can do with a heart in the right place. As I always know yours is
And you are one of the most engaged and available and reliable friends I've ever known, so you've got that nailed down pretty well.
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