My Attempts - Are they Wasted?

I am by no means a big contributor to the world. I am just a small individual in this whole world and in the scheme of things. I can not do much to change even my own life because usually I let fear over run me when it comes to change. But for me I am all about small things for the individuals around me that will be consistent and hopefully a future ' life change ' for their individual lives. For example I have come a long way from who I once was. I used to be a much angrier individual. i would fly off the handle sometimes or even just that anger that I would hold inside - would show on the outside in ways that would make everyone around me miserable. So I am a lot better inside, it shows outside - I hope? I believe that by me changing, things around me will. Not that I need to force change on others but through the spirit of goodness and of God... within me... things around me will start to change when I can touch them in a more positive way. (I hope this is making sense) Well for example I have not felt jealousy in areas of my life that I used to etc. I don't get upset about certain things the way that I used to and I am more gentle when trying to correct my nieces (except for some times but less often). I am seeing some things that are changing with these people and things... I may be imagining this but I think it is true. Do you think my efforts are wasted? Is my own position within myself what is going to help change a situation or must I practically try to force others to change around me? I hope this post is clear and not too confusing!