by Harleena Singh -
I’ve often heard that there are many ways to change the world, but the question is – who will change it and why? Moreover, what’s wrong with the world as it is?
I know this question will come up in the minds of many people. Am I right?
Well, all I can say is that the world can be a better place, and if it can, then why not try for it – isn’t it? I mean a world without or with as few problems as possible. Some would still be least bothered to read this post because it’s about the world and not them.
That’s where they first need to change their way of thinking. As far as you’re living in the world, its problems are yours and you’re responsible for them in some way or the other.
Every individual needs to be concerned with the problems of the world, take initiative, and actively participate to solve them.
In reality, we’re so engrossed in our own lives and tuned to the world that everything appears to be normal and reasonable to us. We’ve become habituated to the problems that we face and have adjusted ourselves to things that we think we cannot change.
You might say that if you’ve opted to reconcile then why do I’ve a problem with that.
Well, that’s exactly the problem. Why should you reconcile and give up your right for a better life?
You need to reconsider your assumption that you cannot change the things and your world. In fact, the truth is that you’ve all the power to change your life and the life of others. The only thing you need to do is believe in yourself, and in the cause.
But first, let’s try to understand our world better.
“Remember, each one of us has the power to change the world. Just start thinking peace, and the message will spread quicker than you think.” --Yoko Ono
Why Do We Need to Change The World
If you look back in the past, you’d realize that the world had been plagued with problems umpteen number of times, but some or the other kind of change bailed it out.
There have been revolutions and renaissances to make the world a better place to live in, and remarkably, people like you brought them about.
Likewise, you too can find ways to change the world. However, most of you need to be convinced that the world needs a change.
I’ve listed out six major problems in the world, and I think each one of you is affected by at least one of the problems in your daily life.
As you read each problem, think if you’re affected by it and would you like it to be changed or resolved:
• Discrimination, racism, and lack of tolerance• Increasing hatred, violence, and war• Environment and natural resources degradation• Epidemic of lifestyle diseases• Poverty and decreased quality of life• Abuse and crime against women
Our world is suffering from the above-mentioned problems and it’s not limited to just a handful of these. There are hosts of other problems that make it difficult for us to live happily and peacefully.
Now, don’t you think these are reasons enough to wake up?
If you agreed with any of these problems, then are you doing anything to resolve it – if not, then why not?
I realize that people living in the developed countries have less firsthand experience about most of these problems, and this could be a cause for their lack of involvement.
But I know of many of my friends living in the US and Europe who actively advocate and make efforts to bring a good change in the world.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” --Mahatma Gandhi
How to Change The World and Resolve Our Problems
What I’m getting at is that if we don’t force ourselves to solve our own problems, then who will?
Politicians? Government?
Yes, sure they can do a lot if they’ve the will, but those might just be the macroscopic solutions.
You can’t depend on them for your daily life harassment, problems, and sufferings. You need to take control of your own life.
As mentioned in the quote by Mahatma Gandhi, you need to “be the change” yourself that you wish to see in the world.
The change in the world starts with YOU!
If each person becomes responsible enough and takes steps to bring about a change, would it take long for the world to change? I don’t think so – do you?
Do you know that even one person can make a difference? Yes, YOU alone are enough and can make a huge difference.
There are many real life examples from around the world of people making a difference in the world all alone.
You can also do that if you follow these 6 ways.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -- Nelson Mandela
6 Ways to Change the World
It’s all about you. The change begins with you. You change yourself, you change your life, and so you help change the world. I’ve shortlisted six ways in which you can bring about change, and I’ve put them together into an acronym – I call it a SIMPLE change approach.
S – Change of Self-conceptI – Change of IntentionsM – Change of MindP – Change of PersonalityL – Change of LifestyleE – Change of Emotions
It’s really simple, isn’t it?
“In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first.” --Jimi Hendrix
- 1. Change Your Self-concept
Here, by self-concept I mean your beliefs and perceptions.
By changing these, you change your self-identity and self-perspective, and change what you think about yourself.
Start thinking about yourself in positive terms, and use positive affirmations to believe that you’re strong enough to lead a better life.
If you change the way you think about yourself, you’ll change the way you think about the world.
Change Tip
Feel good about yourself and see the world with the same pair of eyes, then you’ll probably never think of discriminating people, nor of indulging in acts or thoughts of racism.
- 2. Change Your Intentions
Intentions are the roots of your thoughts and actions.
If your intentions are good and helpful, your thoughts and actions will be accordingly good and helpful too. You’d then most likely not abuse anybody, nor commit crime against anyone.
“Never intentionally hurt others in any way” – this resolution will create a big impact and reduce the suffering in the world. With the positive change in your beliefs and perceptions, you’ll be more likely to have positive intentions that breed positivity.
Change Tip
Always have good intentions, as the resulting actions and behavior are thoughtful and controlled, and they bring more power and value to whatever you say or do.
- 3. Change Your Mind
I’ve written about the mind. It is responsible for your way of thinking, attitude, and outlook of life.
Once you change your mind in a positive way, you change your attitude of tolerance, discrimination, quality of life, and other aspects in favorable ways.
Tolerance is an attitude of the mind that implies non-judgmental acceptance of different lifestyles or beliefs.
Yes, tolerance is about recognizing and respecting the fact there are people of different cultures, religions, and races, and it’s okay accepting them as part of your world.
If you accept others, discrimination ends.
Change Tip
Control and educate your mind to be happy and successful. You thereby increase your quality of life to satisfactory levels.
- 4. Change Your Personality
By personality, I mean the personal characteristics or qualities of a person.
If you’re devoted to a good cause and determined to carry it out, you’ll undoubtedly change the world for the better.
Your perseverance and hard work will bring you closer to success, and help you overcome poverty or other miseries of life, if they exist.
It were the positive and strong personal qualities of Mahatma Gandhi that brought a change in him. Not only did his course of life change, but he was able to bring about a change in the world too.
Change Tip
Be courageous and bring about a change. Be determined to seek justice, and be dedicated to making the world a better place to live in for the entire human race.
- 5. Change Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is your way of living. Your health and the earth’s condition depend on the kind of lifestyle you adopt in your life.
You need to educate yourself on the effects and repercussions of your lifestyle.
Think whether what you eat, wear, and use – cause damage to yourself or your surrounding environment.
Living a faulty lifestyle can lead to the misuse and extinction of the earth’s natural resources like water, forests, and increase toxicity as well.
Instead, you need to adopt an eco-active lifestyle and make efforts to save the resources.
Be careful of what you shop, reuse and recycle. Be less dependent on material comforts that use earth’s resources and produce toxic waste or pollution, and thus reduce your carbon footprint.
Be aware that your unhealthy lifestyle consisting of lack of good food, exercise, and proper routine can make you suffer from lifestyle diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stress.
Change Tip
Choose a lifestyle that keeps you mentally and physically healthy as well as upkeeps the natural resources and environment of the world.
- 6. Change Your Emotions
Love is the strongest emotion that unites people in the world. Spread love through your words and actions.
If you’re kind and caring, you’ll develop gratitude and generosity towards others. As a result, there will be less hatred or other negative feelings wherever you go.
Activities based on love and harmony creates peace between people, communities, and countries. This overcomes aggression and violence, besides avoiding war.
Love is the cure of all problems. If you love yourself, you’ll love others; if you love others, you’ll love and accept their ways. And if you’re tolerant, then there will be peace all over.
Do something nice for somebody every day. Laugh, smile, be happy and remain thankful – you spread positive energy and emotions that way.
Change Tip
Donate to charity, volunteer to help others in any big or small way, and engage yourself in random acts of kindness. You’ll be surprised to see the difference you can make to other peoples’ lives and the world this way.
Here’s a list of things you can do to change your world.
“It’s a philosophy of life. A practice. If you do this, something will change, what will change is that you will change, your life will change, and if you can change you, you can perhaps change the world.” --Vivienne Westwood
Can you remain positive, have good intentions, control your mind, be determined, live the right way, and be loving and helpful?
Well, this is in fact the crux of the SIMPLE ways to change the world, and it could be your contribution for the betterment of the world.
Remember that you as an individual are the units or building blocks of the community, society, country and the world. If the units or blocks change, the whole picture changes.
Positive change is never easy. It’s like flowing against the stream. But once you change, you find that it was worth the effort – it brings you more comfort and happiness.
After going through this post on making an attempt to change the world, are you courageous enough to take the initiative? Wouldn’t you like to be a part of a better world, and do something about it? So, let’s join hands to make this world a better place, for you, me, and everyone else.
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” --Margaret Mead
Do you believe you can make a difference to the world? How do you think you can contribute to the betterment of the world? What are the other ways to change the world that you would suggest?
About Author: Harleena Singh is a positive thinker and a freelance writer. She loves to write inspiring and thought provoking posts on self-improvement, family, relationships, health, and other aspects of life. She's not another personal development guru, but just an average person with great life experiences. She's also a blogger, who loves to share her blogging knowledge and experiences. Network with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
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