Tiny Actions, Profound Results

When I was 20 years old, I began working as a customs declarant for a company owned by an American boss. As the youngest employee in the office, I was affectionately nicknamed “Xiao Bu Dian” (Little Dot). This name not only referred to my petite stature but also reflected my youthful naivety in navigating work and life at the time.

One morning, one of the engineers, Mr. Chan, called out to me. He was a Malaysian Chinese with a calm demeanor that hinted at his worldly experience—someone had told me he used to be a sailor. Standing at his office door, he smiled and said, in his usual mix of Chinese and English, “Hey, Xiao Bu Dian, come to my office. I’ll teach you how to make coffee.”

That was my first real encounter with coffee. Under Mr. Chan’s patient guidance, I learned how to brew coffee with an electric coffee maker: placing a filter, adding coffee grounds, pouring water, and flipping the switch. In just a few minutes, the rich aroma of freshly brewed black coffee filled the room. I still remember his meticulous movements and the comforting smell of that coffee. At the time, I could not have imagined that this seemingly insignificant moment would plant a seed that would later shape my life.

From that day on, brewing coffee became my daily morning routine. But over time, I realized it wasn’t just about the act of making coffee—it became a medium of connection. The aroma of coffee often drew my colleagues to gather for brief conversations. Sometimes, it was a Vietnamese-Chinese colleague sharing stories of her family’s traditional cuisine; other times, a colleague from Hong Kong would reminisce about his childhood adventures. Then there were the alumni from prestigious institutions like Fudan University, Tsinghua University, and even Yale, sharing their academic journeys. These moments, revolving around a simple cup of coffee, wove a warm and relaxed atmosphere in the office.

Working in this company felt like being enrolled in a diverse university. Each colleague was like a professor, and their stories held a wealth of knowledge and insight. I often listened quietly, observing and learning. Those coffee moments became my classroom, fueling my curiosity and broadening my horizons. From them, I learned not just about the breadth of knowledge but also about having an open attitude toward the world. This environment kindled a stronger desire in me to learn, and I began to realize that education wasn’t confined to the classroom—it was present in the everyday moments of life.

For me, brewing coffee each morning also became a time for quiet reflection. As I poured water and measured coffee grounds, I often wondered: Could I become as accomplished as my colleagues someday? At that time, I was not only “Xiao Bu Dian” (Little Dot) by nickname but also the least educated member of the team. Yet, each cup of coffee taught me that even the smallest actions were worth doing with care.

One day, a colleague from Hong Kong sipped the coffee I had made and casually remarked, “Xiao Bu Dian, your coffee is getting better and better.” I was both surprised and delighted. Over time, I had been experimenting with the water-to-coffee ratio, seeking the perfect balance. That simple compliment made me realize that even small efforts could be noticed and appreciated.

Years later, when I opened my first coffee shop, this memory resurfaced. If it hadn’t been for that morning at 20 years old, and the countless mornings thereafter filled with the aroma of coffee, I might never have developed such a deep passion for it.

The power of small actions lies in their ability to plant seeds, which, over time, grow into something extraordinary.

So, are there small actions in your life that hold similar significance? Perhaps it’s a morning jog, an encouraging word, or an unexpected smile. Don’t underestimate the power of these seemingly trivial beginnings—they might quietly be transforming your life. Change doesn’t always require grand gestures. Often, it’s the smallest actions that leave the deepest impact.

-To be continued, EP003-