Top Ten Things to Think About If
You Want to Change the World
Written by Michael Angier
Mahatma Gandhi believed that we must be the change we want
to see in the world. This was well demonstrated when he helped
India gain its independence. Gandhi was a revolutionary man, but
he accomplished India’s emergence as a nation without starting
a revolution. In fact, he advocated no violence. One of the most
powerful countries in the world yielded to the commitment of
one man and the dream of millions.
What change can we effect? What’s the difference we want to
make in the world?
Gandhi said, “In a gentle way you can shake the world.” Here are
some things to think about how to do just that.
occurred not because of nations, armies, governments—and
certainly not committees. They happened as a result of the
courage and commitment of individuals. People like Joan of
Ark, Albert Einstein, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas
Edison and Rosa Parks. They might not have done it alone, but
they were, without question, the change makers.
2. Believe that you have a unique purpose and potential in
the world. It’s not so much something to create as to be
discovered. And it’s up to you to discover it. Believe that you
can and will make a difference.
3. Recognize that everything you do, every step you take,
every sentence you write, every word you speak—or DON’T
speak—counts. Nothing is trivial. The world may be big, but
there are no small things. Everything matters.
4. To be the change you want to see in the world, you don’t have
to be loud. You don’t have to be eloquent. You don’t have to
be elected. You don’t even have to be particularly smart or
well educated. You do, however, have to be committed.
5. Take personal responsibility. Never think that “it’s not my job”.
It’s a cop-out to say, “What can I do, I’m only one person.” You
don’t need everyone’s cooperation or anyone’s permission to
make changes. Remember this little gem, “If it’s to be, it’s up
to me.”
6. Don’t get caught up in the how of things. If you’re clear on
what you want to change and why you want to change it, the
because someone let the problem solving interfere with the
decision-making.
7. Don’t wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change is
messy. Things will never be just right. Follow Teddy Roosevelt’s
timeless advice, “Do what you can, with what you have, where
you are.”
8. The genesis for change is awareness. We cannot change what
we don’t acknowledge. Most of the time, we aren’t aware of
what’s wrong or what’s not working. We don’t see what could
be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change.
9. Take to heart these words from Albert Einstein—arguably
one of the smartest change masters who ever lived: “All
and then works its way out. Imagination is more important
than knowledge.”
10. In order for things to change, YOU have to change. We can’t
change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when
WE change, it changes everything. And in doing so, we truly
can be the change we want to see in the world.
Inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby:
"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I
discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights
somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I
settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.
And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only
family.
From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have
been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even
changed the world."
Since this list was inspired by Gandhi’s belief, it seems appropriate
to end with another of his quotes:
“Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some
service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service
deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger and
we will make not only our own happiness, but that of the world
at large.”
Michael Angier is a resident of Silverthorn
and founder and president of Success
Networks International. His books have been
published internationally and he conducts
boot camps and retreats to help business
owners transform their organizations.
www.SuccessNet.org
BeYourBest@SuccessNet.org
Silverthorn, Traditions Newsletter pg. 9
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