Boost Your Mental Health in 3 Seconds: John Wick & the Power of Small Acts
- Bruce Schutter
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 8
Yesterday, I stopped to get gas. Just as I started filling up, a car screeched into the station. Out jumped none other than John Wick—yes, the John Wick. He scanned the area, obviously on high alert, probably expecting a gang of bad guys to pop out from behind the ice machine or snack rack.
Now, I knew better than to ask what he was up to. So, I just kept filling my tank, acting like it was just another Tuesday. But John Wick, being the guy he is—even when his life’s on the line—still has manners.
That’s when he spotted my Mental Health Warrior Program sticker on my back windshield. “Interesting,” he said, walking over like the world wasn’t possibly minutes away from exploding. “What’s this Mental Health Warrior thing?”
Not one to pass up a conversation with a living legend, I explained. “It’s a new SELF-HELP approach I created based on my 20-year battle with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. My struggles left me feeling so powerless, I even tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I realized something life-changing—mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.”
Power of Emotions
John nodded, clearly understanding. “Yeah, emotions—front and center for me too,” he said, probably thinking about all the times he’s had to keep his cool when someone destroyed his car, burned down his house, or—you know—killed his dog.
“Exactly,” I replied. “When we take control of our mental health, we can handle anything.”
“So, tell me,” he continued, “what’s one quick tool I can use? Something I can pull off right now before… well, before the bad guys catch up?”
Without missing a beat, I grinned. “I’ve got just the thing. Actually, two tools from my book 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. Both can be used in under three seconds—and they’re perfect for people on the run… literally.”
John leaned in a little closer. “I’m all ears.”
The Tools: 'Wave' or Say 'Hello'
I explained, “These two tools are simple but powerful: Next time you see someone, give them a 'wave' or just say ‘Hi.’ It takes less than three seconds, but it creates an instant mental health boost—for both of you!”
John nodded, already processing the idea. “You’re telling me something that small actually works?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “It may seem basic, but even a small, positive connection can shift your mindset and change your entire outlook on the day.”
John grinned. “That’s interesting. Actually, I’ve got three moments from my own life where something like that worked—and I think you’d appreciate how you could use it, too.”
Example 1: The Subway Standoff
John’s Take:
“I remember this one time—I was on a subway in New York. I had that sense—you know the one—like something bad was about to go down. Everyone was on edge. But then, some guy across the way just gave me a nod and a smile. I nodded back. And just like that, the tension in the air vanished. I didn’t even have to pull out a gun.”
Your Turn:
The next time you’re in a tense situation, try giving someone a simple nod or smile. It’s amazing how quickly that can shift the energy—not just for them, but for you too.
You don’t have to be in a subway surrounded by assassins to put this into practice. Try it at work, in line at the grocery store, or even in traffic. A small moment of connection can break tension, lighten the mood, and remind both of you that you’re not alone in this busy world. You might be surprised at how much better you feel just by making that small effort.
Example 2: The Dog Walker’s Dilemma
John’s Take:
“So, I was out walking my dog—yes, I got another one. I was having a rough day, you know, the kind where it feels like everything’s falling apart. Then, this elderly lady walked by, and she gave my dog a little wave. Just like that, my day turned around. It wasn’t even for me, but that tiny act of kindness towards my dog hit me right in the heart.”
Your Turn:
Next time you’re out and feeling low, try giving a little wave or hello to someone walking their dog, pushing a stroller, or just soaking in the day. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture—even a quick smile or a nod can make a difference.
You never know who might need that small moment of connection. Maybe they’re struggling. Maybe they’re having one of "those days" too. But in that instant, you’re reminding them (and yourself) that kindness still exists. And let’s be honest—if you make a dog’s day better, that’s already a win.
Example 3: The Hitman Hospitality
John’s Take:
“One of the most unlikely places I ever got a mental boost was when I was walking into a hotel—filled with, let’s just say, not-so-friendly faces. But there was this bellhop who gave me a polite, ‘Hello, Mr. Wick.’
It was nothing—just part of his job—but in that moment, that quick recognition made me feel human for a second, even when I was surrounded by chaos.”
Your Turn:
When life feels chaotic and out of control, take a moment to acknowledge the people around you. It might be a busy barista, a stressed-out coworker, or even a stranger at the store who looks like they’re having a tough day.
A simple “Hi,” “Thanks,” or even just eye contact and a nod can cut through the noise and remind both of you that life isn’t just stress, deadlines, and survival—it’s human connection too!
And who knows? That small moment of recognition might be exactly what someone needs to keep going! Because if a hitman can find comfort in a kind word in the middle of his personal battlefield, so can the rest of us.
Wrapping It Up
By this point, John had finished filling up his tank, but the bad guys still hadn’t shown up—giving me just enough time to hand him a copy of my book '84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior.'
“Stay strong, Mental Health Warrior!” I said as he took the book and nodded.
As he drove off, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Who knew that running into John Wick at a gas station would turn into a lesson on mental health? But hey, mental health matters to everyone—even to guys who spend their days dodging assassins.
So next time you’re out and about, wave or say ‘hi.’ It might be the smallest thing you do all day, but for you—and for someone else—it could be the mental health boost that makes all the difference. Because when small acts of connection become a habit, they lead to big wins for our mental resilience!
Bruce Schutter
💡 Get exclusive insights, mindset tools, and weekly motivation.
Comentarios