How to Change the World?!

Picture provided by foxspain at flickr.com

What kind of a question is How to change the world?

Well, we could start off by slogans from the TV show Heroes, “Save the Cheerleader, Change the world,” but that wouldn’t be very helpful would it?

I believe deep inside we all wish to change the world, or a legacy we can leave with. The kind of change I’m talking about is conscious change, one that will make the world a better place. Not all of us want to “make waves”, and that’s okay. The idea is to be conscious of the impact you make in the world on a daily basis. One small change everyday adds up to one big change in a lifetime.

I’ll start off with my favorite quote on this subject:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.

When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change
the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

~ Unknown Monk (around 1100 A.D.)

This can be paraphrased from words of Gandhi, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” To make this kind of change, here are the virtues that can show you how to change the world:

Vision – This is where it all starts. Once you have a clear, overreaching vision it gives you the direction you want to go. People want to be a part of something larger than themselves.
Passion – When you discover what your heart is set on, it will get you through the tough times. You can BET there will be tough times making a big change.
Power – I define this as the ability to ACT and “keep your word”. Passive people don’t change the world. It’s the people who take massive action who can change others.
Awareness – This enables you to see situations “as it is”. This enables you to identify mistakes and move on quickly. Also, the more awareness you have, the more you can identify your own strengths.
Leverage – Paul Getty, billionaire once said “I'd rather have 1% of the effort of 100 men than 100% of my own effort.” This has become so much easier with the advent of the internet. We can collaborate at such a high volume and low cost. The vision may start with one, but it takes a critical mass to make the transition happen.

Example:
There are a number of other factors, but I believe these are the most important on how to change the world. For instance, it helps to have humility, but take a look at Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc. He certainly has made BIG changes to the world, but according to my perception, humility isn’t one of them. He’s passionate, even arrogant, has a clear vision where he wants his company, aware of the mistakes he’s made, acts with power, build leverage to create a cult following of his products.

Did you know the DAY when he got fired from Apple in 1990’s, that VERY same day he already filled out the paperwork to create a new business? Talk about power! Steve uses leverage to create a fantastic marketing machine to get people to love and buy his products. I realize he may not as “conscious” as others, but I just wanted to point out that you don’t need all the “virtues” to make a change happen.

So that’s my short answer on how to change the world. In this day and age, with the leverage of the internet, there are many opportunities for any one of us to make a positive impact. Below are a handful of ways YOU can start to change the world. In general to make a big change, one would have to solve BIG problems. So go ahead and START small and THINK BIG! Or if those who are courageous and daring..…start BIG and STAY BIG!

People who changed the world - Here's a list of people who knew how to change the world.
Display Reckless Acts of Kindness – Don’t underestimate this power. This is how Mother Theresa changed the world
Going Green – Possibly the best gift to our children, a clean, healthy planet
Start a business – Create something of value to the world, it’s okay to make a profit
Green Business – the next Trillion dollar opportunities is the Green Revolution
Change others – It starts with ability to influence one
Donate to Charity – Making donations is one of the healthiest things you can do
Philantropism – start a business that keeps on giving, like Paul Newman with his food company ‘Newman’s Own” which donated over $200 million of profits to charities.
Volunteer your time – one of the most rewarding ways to give
World Peace - it’s worth shooting for isn’t it?
Know the principles to make a mighty change work.
Be a Leader – an enormous change needs a leader to make it happen
Join an Organization of Change – find an organization that shares your passion.
Internet and Globalization – Learn how to leverage global networks

These are just several ideas on how to change the world. Now go play.

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