Boost Your Mental Health in 3 Seconds: John Wick & the Power of Small Acts

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, that John Wick.

He scanned the area, eyes sharp, clearly expecting a gang of bad guys to leap 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 pumping gas, pretending this was just another Tuesday. But John Wick — being who he is — even when the world might be minutes from chaos, still has manners.

That’s when he spotted the Mental Health Warrior Program sticker on my back windshield. “Interesting,” he said, walking over like the parking lot wasn’t seconds away from exploding. “What’s this Mental Health Warrior thing?”

Never one to pass up a conversation with a living legend, I told him.

“For 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. Those struggles left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in that dark time, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.”

Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge!

“So,” he said, “you’re telling me there’s a program that trains the mind like a warrior — no waiting, no weakness, no surrender?”

“Exactly,” I said. “It’s about taking action — anytime, anywhere. No perfect conditions required.”

He smirked, just slightly. “I like it. But tell me this, Warrior… you got something fast? A tool I can use in three seconds to boost my mental health when my mind’s under fire?”

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The 3-Second Warrior Boost

I grinned. “I’ve got just the thing. Actually, two tools — straight from my book 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior.”

John raised an eyebrow. “Two tools?”

“Yep,” I said. “Both take less than three seconds — and they’re perfect for people who are always on the move… literally.”

He leaned in, curious. “I’m listening.”

“These two tools are deceptively simple but surprisingly powerful,” I explained. “The next time you see someone — wave or say Hi. It takes less than three seconds, but it gives both of you an instant mental health boost.”

John tilted his head. “You’re saying something that small actually works?”

“Absolutely,” I nodded. “Even the smallest positive connection can shift your mindset — and change the entire direction of your day.”

He gave a knowing grin. “You know… I’ve actually got three moments from my life where something like that made a difference. I think you’ll see exactly how it applies.”

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Example 1: The Subway Standoff

“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. You could feel the anxiety building, like the whole car was holding its breath.

Then, some guy across the way just gave me a nod and a quick smile. I nodded back. And just like that, the tension broke. I didn’t even have to pull out a gun.

It reminded me—sometimes, all it takes is one human moment to remind you that you’re not alone. That connection? It grounds you and cuts through the chaos.”

Our 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 use this tool. Try it at work, in line at the grocery store, or even in traffic. That small act of connection breaks tension, lightens the mood and reminds you both: we’re in this together.

And honestly? You might be surprised how much better you feel just by making that tiny effort.

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Example 2: The Dog Walker’s Dilemma

“So, I was out walking my dog — yeah, I got another one. It was one of those days where everything felt like it was going sideways. I wasn’t in the mood to talk, I was barely holding it together.

Then this lady walked by and gave my dog a little wave. Just that — one small, gentle wave. It wasn’t even for me, but somehow, it hit me right in the chest.

It reminded me that kindness is still out there. And it pulled me out of my own head, just enough to reset.”

Our Turn:

Next time you’re feeling low or lost in your thoughts, try offering a small gesture — a wave, a hello, or even a kind glance — to someone nearby. Especially if they’re walking a dog, pushing a stroller, or simply sitting alone.

It doesn’t have to be big. But that moment of connection can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s still good.

You might brighten someone else’s day — and you’ll almost always lift your own in the process. And hey, if you make a dog’s tail wag in the process, that’s a Warrior win in any book!

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Example 3: The Hitman Hospitality

“One of the most unlikely places I ever got a mental boost 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 small gesture, that quick recognition, made me feel human. Even when I was surrounded by chaos.”

Our Turn:

When life feels chaotic and out of control, take a moment to acknowledge the people around you. Maybe it’s a busy barista, a stressed-out coworker, or someone at the store who just looks like they’re hanging on by a thread.

“A simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Thanks’ can cut through the noise and remind you both: life isn’t just about stress, deadlines and survival — it’s about connections.”

Because if a hitman can find comfort in a kind word in the middle of his personal battlefield, so can the rest of us.

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Wrap Up

By this point, John had finished filling up his tank — but the bad guys still hadn’t shown up. Lucky for me, that gave 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 gave a rare nod.

As he drove off, I couldn’t help but smile. Who knew that a gas station encounter with John Wick would turn into a conversation about mental health? But hey — mental health matters to everyone. Even to guys dodging assassins.

So the next time you’re out in the world, wave or say “Hi.” It might be the smallest thing you do all day — but for you or someone else, it could be the spark that shifts everything.

Because when small acts of connection become daily habits, they build big mental strength. And that’s how Warriors rise — above our challenges and THRIVE!

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!