So you want to change the world? I am convinced that changing the world for the better starts with ourselves. I’m not alone – some of the greatest thinkers in world history agree with me.
“What do you want to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
Here are 6 steps to changing the world.
If this sparks your imagination, and you would like to learn how to apply these steps in more detail, take a look at our Guide to Advocacy Course, where you can learn how to effectively advocate for yourself, your family, and your community.
1. Commit
It doesn’t have to be 1 January to make a resolution. Another way to describe committing is to know your why. Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” is a great place to start on this topic.
2. Set an Intention (also known as a goal)
Set an incremental goal. This can be helpful if your ultimate goal is overwhelming. I do this where the project or desired result is too big to get my head around – a chapter instead of the whole book by a specific date. Set SMART goals.
3. Create a Plan
Yes, a plan. You (and me) are far more likely to achieve your goal if you know exactly how you are going to get there. The plan should include when, what, where, and how. You established your Why is step 1, and you might find it helpful to include the why prominently as part of your plan. Keep it simple and something you can readily do. I often do this in stages, in Quarterly plans broken down by month.
4. Identify Resources
Identify available resources. Be creative, necessity is the mother of invention. Be careful not to rely on a lack of resources as an excuse for not following through. Some goals require professional help but don’t be dissuaded. It’s amazing what you can learn with a library card or access to a search engine.
5. Implement your Plan
Measure your progress. I have a chart that I have to mark based on habits or activities that move me along the path toward my goal. Schedule a meeting with yourself to move toward your goal – time for the activities needed to implement your plan. An essential element to successful implementation is the celebration of milestones! Identify the milestones you want to celebrate as you mark off those milestones. I sometimes use a strategic planning template with my clients – this helps them see their progress! They love watching the colors in the template change!
Research has shown that behavioural change is more likely to last if you record your progress. Gretchen Rubin talks about how this can be differently applied based on your temperament – but the bottom line is that it also functions as an accountability tool.
6. Double down with grit
Progress toward a goal is rarely ever a straight line. Ups, downs, one step back and two-step forward are really the norm. Show compassion toward yourself but recommit and push forward. Angela Duckworth’s Grit offers wonderful insight into demonstrating and developing grit.
Most of all: quit waiting around for a gilded invitation. Get to it, get changing the world!
If this sparks your imagination, and you would like to learn how to apply these steps in more detail, take a look at our Guide to Advocacy Course, where you can learn how to effectively advocate for yourself, your family, and your community.
