"Tienes que hacer de la cultura algo cotidiano."

Making culture an everyday thing is all about integrating values, beliefs, and practices into our daily lives until they become second nature. It's not about grand gestures or one-off events; it's about the small, consistent actions that define who we are and how we interact with the world around us.

Historically, the importance of culture grew out of a need for communities and organizations to create a sense of identity and belonging. In workplaces, for example, a strong culture can mean the difference between a motivated team and a group of individuals simply going through the motions. Think of Silicon Valley giants like Google or Apple. They didn't just become successful by accident—they built cultures of innovation, creativity, and collaboration that permeate every aspect of their business.

Let’s imagine a teacher who wants to create a culture of kindness in her classroom. Instead of hosting a single anti-bullying assembly, she incorporates daily acts of kindness into the routine—students help each other with tasks, share compliments each morning, and reflect on positive interactions at the end of the day. Over time, these small actions embed a deep-seated culture of kindness among the students, making it a natural part of their everyday interactions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying the values that matter most to you. Is it integrity, creativity, community? Once you have that, look for small, consistent actions that reinforce these values. If creativity is key for you, maybe it’s about dedicating just 15 minutes each day to drawing or brainstorming new ideas. If community is your focus, perhaps it’s taking the time to check in on a neighbor or join a local group.

Here’s a relatable scenario: imagine you're the manager of a small team. You want to build a culture of open communication. Instead of scheduling a single team-building retreat and calling it a day, you make feedback a regular part of your team meetings. You encourage everyone to share their thoughts and make it clear that every voice matters. Over time, your team will start to communicate more freely and effectively—because it’s just what they do.

It’s like planting a garden. You don’t just throw seeds on the ground and expect a thriving ecosystem overnight. You water, you prune, you nurture. You make it part of your daily routine. And soon enough, you’ve got a garden that’s not just alive, but flourishing.

So, think about what kind of culture you want to cultivate in your own life or community. Break it down into small, manageable actions you can take every day. Make it part of your routine—like brushing your teeth or having your morning coffee. And remember, it’s the consistency that counts. Those little daily actions add up over time, creating a culture that’s not just talked about, but truly lived.

By doing this, you’re not just making a change; you’re becoming the change. And that’s something that stays with you—and those around you—long after the initial effort is made.