<#295 Desk Column>

Do You Know the Butterfly Effect?
- Remember a Small Change Could Bring Great Results -

By Lim Seon-hye, Head Student Editor

 You may have heard of ‘chaos theory’, or the ‘butterfly effect’. It means that there is an order although it seems like chaos and moreover something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world. I learned of the theory from an old movie, The Butterfly Effect (2004) directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. Have you ever experienced a small change or event that had a big impact on your life? We are always at the crossroad of a choice between birth and death, and the choices you make will lead you down a certain path. The butterfly effect states that a small change can have a great effect: the small flutter of a butterfly’s wing can cause a typhoon. However, people have a tendency to regard great success or great changes as having the biggest effect on their lives. It is somewhat true, but I think that constant small changes during our life ultimately cause the great changes in our life. If we change just one percent of our habits, we can change our life.

 I experienced how a small change had great effects on my life. Once I woke up much earlier than usual during the exam period. When I changed just one of my habits, my daily life was changed innovatively. I could adjust my schedule for the day easily and steadily keep up my studies. I changed just one thing and then my daily life changed as the result of that small change. I can tell you it is the ‘butterfly effect’. You may be afraid of these effects, that such a small thing could have such a big impact. It is important not to lose your motivation and become distracted. There are always countless variables, trials and errors when you try to achieve your goals. And they might drive you down an unexpected path like ripples from the butterfly effect. Keep your goals in mind whenever you encounter that situation.

 Now I am writing my last article as Head Student Editor of Chonnam Tribune. I entered Chonnam National University and Chonnam Tribune two years ago with vigor and determination, but as time goes by, I often begin to feel like I am losing my motivation. It is already June and half the year has passed. I saw many people around me who lost their motivation at the start of the year. I hope you do not lose your motivation and keep going with persistence to accomplish your aims in life even though there are innumerable unpredictable variables that could make you stray from your dreams.