Can You Change the World? It's Up to You!

reveurgam (60)in #life • 5 years ago (edited)

Thinking about how to make the world a better place is something a lot of people are afraid of doing.

Why? It's overwhelming! How can one person make a significant enough difference in their life to improve things for all Earthling (note: not just humans)? This sort of thought makes most people emotionally curl up into a ball and either give up at the very thought, or become depressed, or even give up hope entirely. The vast majority of humans react this way to such a monumental task. Only a relatively small number use the correct mindset to take it on, and only a portion of those know the steps and techniques needed to succeed in this endeavor.

Actually, it's easier now than ever before because of the Internet. The web brings us together in ways previously never possible. Whereas a founder of a past religion probably did not see widespread adoption in their lifetime, meaning that control o the religion would definitely be corrupted to some extent, someone who starts a movement in the age of the WWW can certainly hope to see widespread adoption (whether it is legitimate, disruptive, manipulative, destructive/negative, constructive/positive, etc.) Examples abound! Fake religions like Scientology and Universal Medicine, scams of many different kinds, motivational/inspirational speakers who seek to help people improve (and also get rich off it), political movements and so much more can be executed at a speed and reach that previously took years or even lifetimes (or centuries or millennia). There are so many other examples out there of successes, both good and evil.

The biggest challenge you face is yourself. You need to change your mindset to a "can-do" one. I don't mean unrealistic optimism (I'm going to be bitten by a radioactive spider and turn into Spiderwoman); I'm referring to the belief that you can achieve anything based on reality, not fantasy. Obviously, there are limitations on what we can do. Most people have strengths and weaknesses, and some have more strengths while others have fewer. Yet, Olympic athletes and other people prove that we can do far more than we think we can. Look at Christopher Reeves and Stephen Hawking, or any of a number of people who have exhibited extraordinary qualities despite great adversity. In 2015 in Indonesia, I met a young man with ALS who was skin and bones, yet he had his own computer repair business and employees. Last year, I met a blind man learning to ice skate for the first time. Last week, I met a man who'd been in a wheelchair for 13 years because of a genetic disorder, but who now walks and works. And the list goes on.

Each of us can make a difference. Maybe you don't know the way to change the world, but you can change yourself, and that positive example can teach others.

You are greater than you know! You can make a difference! Find a goal that doesn't overwhelm you and work until you achieve it. Then, pick another goal and another. Keep learning and growing. Never give up!