Change the World? C’mon…

Change the World? That’s a pretty outlandish statement, or so it seems. I’m sure many will immediately put this in the “C’mon, give me a break” category without a moments thought. Here’s probably what goes through your mind.

Technology changing the world – got it. Global warming changing the world – unfortunate, but realistic. Jonathon Kent telling his son Clark he can change the world – sounds reasonable. Me, as an individual, changing the world – sounds like a stretch.

How can John Doe from Podunk nowhere possibly make a difference out there? Good question, and here are some thoughts to throw around before you dismiss this line of thinking.

Look Beyond the Hitters

Famous individuals that changed the world, in my eyes, may not necessarily be what you’re looking for. Even though people such as Gandhi, Mother Teresa, or Martin Luther King are stellar examples of individuals that made a massive difference, they most likely fall under the “been there and already know that” paradigm. It’s not that we don’t understand and appreciate what they’ve done, it’s just hard for most of us to equate ourselves to seriously iconic figures in history and see ourselves in some kind of similar light – an all too typical thwart to potential action on your part.

Do the names Craig Kielburger, Alexandra Scott, Frank Wills, or Cindy Lightner ring a bell with you? Probably not, so let me enlighten you.

Craig Keilburger as a teenager was actually troubled with the exploitation of child workers (a pretty big jump from acne or dating), pursued this youthful quest, and eventually became the founder of the internationally based organization Free the Children.

Alexandra Scott was an 8-year-old cancer patient that not only felt bad about her own affliction, but sorry for other kids she knew (and didn’t know) as well, suffering from this disease way to early in life. She opened up a lemonade stand (remember, she was only 8 years old) to raise money to help other kids, caught national attention, and ended up raising over a million dollars for cancer research.

Frank Wills was your average security guard that actually took his work seriously. He discovered rooms being used in this relatively unimportant building that for whatever reason caught his attention, and seemed suspicious. Rather than let it go, he decided to act on his instincts and called the police. The building was the Watergate Hotel, and this seemingly unimportant move by this average worker ended up taking down a President.

Cindy Lightner was a mom who lost her daughter to the abusiveness of a drunk driver, unfortunately, one of who knows how many parents that had suffered this same plight. She put her life on hold, went to work, and created MADD – Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, which has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives to date.

Here’s What Your Missing

The point here is that any of these four individuals I just mentioned that ended up making a notable difference in the world could have been any one of you, easily, without a doubt! Think about that, and let’s take this one step further. Consider this little known quote from author Steve Maraboli.

“With one kind gesture you can change a life. One person at a time you can change the world.”

I see this as a simple, but irrefutable statement. One gesture, whatever that may be, can change someone’s life, or the lives of many (Think Rosa Parks). It’s the ripple effect, not to be underestimated or taken lightly. In the 60’s, the ripple effect from America’s youth ended a war and the draft!

In terms of changing the world one person at a time, I see no other way. For anything to truly have an impact, much less a global impact, it takes the power of multiple individuals taking a stand and making a personal, I repeat, a personal decision to follow the constructs of their heart. It’s the opposite of a “herd mentality” which historically speaking is counted on by those who look to make your decisions for you. A kind gesture, or a personal stand comes from one individual who becomes the stone tossed in the pond, and the ripple begins.

Here’s What You Can Do

Start taking yourself seriously, because if you don’t, no one else will…period!

Find the courage to take just one small step with one person, make a difference for them, and see what happens. It could be an intended action, or an in the moment gesture – it makes no difference.

What’s irrefutable is the moment you take that step, someone is going to take notice, and the ripple begins. Conversely, if you don’t take that step, why would anything change, and too many of us live in that reality.

Any, and every iconic figure (or successful person for that matter) started off with a small personal vision of some sort and took action on it, or shared it with somebody, and that success algorithm has crossed millenniums.

There’s a Bigger Picture Here

We all have a story to tell and experience to pass on that no one else owns, and there’s value in that to someone out there. When you recognize that value, why not parlay it into your life’s work plan.

What I would consider to be an axiom in today’s culture is that your value to the marketplace (whatever that may be) is your strongest tool to engaging meaningful work. Taking these small steps and recognizing the strength of your core values could be that missing link that’s kept you from moving out of the job or career that’s sending you to the local pub every night.

Your unique value to the marketplace, more than anything else, is what opens doors and gives you some clout in today’s challenging work environment. Why this represents more than a pipe dream is the work you’ll be looking to engage in will be something you actually care about, or possibly even be passionate about. You couldn’t ask for a better motivational tool.

The philosophical line that fits this scenario I’ve been presenting is this; any great journey begins with just one step. For most, it will be all too easy to dismiss that concept – that’s your choice. But to believe you’re not capable of taking that step is nothing but a disservice to who you already are, and more importantly, who you could become.

The other undeniable fact is this; the ripple effect will happen. History has shown us that time and time again, without fail. Value realized, and then acted upon has exponential potential no matter who you are, and then a work-life change becomes a much more attainable goal.

So, you say you can’t help to change the world? C’mon…