I was recently asked, “Do you believe you can change the world?”
I immediately thought of the most recent video I watched minutes prior to being asked the question featuring Steve Jobs where he said, “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world. It is our perception of what that means that may have you believing anything different.
As I reflected back on Steve Jobs’ message, I thought of the time when I didn’t think I could change the world.
I didn't think I had what it takes to influence the 7.7 billion lives worldwide.
Thinking about the number alone was overwhelming.
But, when I changed my perception of what changing the world meant, I realized that I don’t have to influence all 7.7 billion lives in order to know I have made a difference.
The “world” doesn't have to be the entire universe; it could simply be the world that I am living in … the neighbors that surround me … friends and family … the strangers I pass by in the grocery store …the community I belong to…
I could impact each and every one in “my world”, in both small and profound ways.
It cost me nothing to smile at a stranger and brighten their day.
It cost me nothing to pick-up the newspaper from the neighbor’s driveway and deliver it straight to their front door.
It cost me nothing to be there to share my story knowing it will inspire others.
I get to be the change I want to see in the world.
I’m curious to know, “do you believe you can change the world?”
If you enjoyed this, please share your thoughts by commenting below.
Oleg Lougheed is the host of the Overcoming Odds Podcast, where you get a glimpse into the stories of individuals who have overcome adversity, suffering, and struggle in achieving their personal success.
