The seemingly casual encounter with a store clerk matters. Passing by a colleague in the back hall matters. The last presentation of the day matters. They could matter more.
Going through the motions is a choice. So is changing our posture to focus on and serve the person in front of us. Often, when it matters most to us, we give more effort...we do our best. Sadly, we tend to underperform when there's not as much on the line...for us.
A better choice is to act as if. Act as if our momentary, seemingly insignificant response, thought or idea could change things just a wee bit...could make things better. Act as if our approach, attitude and generosity might resonate with someone at just the right time to change their trajectory...perhaps to change their life. Act as if it's possible to change their world with every encounter.
Of course we may never know. And, we probably won't see an immediate effect. But, it's only possible if we choose to matter for them. It's not possible if we choose not to.
If we're going to show up, why not do it as if someone's world depended on it.