It’s natural to think of ourselves as small in terms of the world we live in. One person among billions. One voice. One set of thoughts. Insignificant when you consider the stuff going on around us.
But what if that is just a thought . . . a self-limiting belief that, far from being humble and realistic is actually holding you back from being the person you want to be. Someone who could, in fact, help change the world . . .
What about the simple act of sitting on a bus? Well that’s exactly what Rosa Parks did in Montgomery Alabama when she refused an order from the driver to relinquish her seat for a white passenger who was standing. That incident sparked a new consciousness in America and Rosa Parks became an international icon of opposition to racial prejudice. For sitting on a bus . .
Whether it’s changing the world on a grand scale like Rosa Parks or changing the world in terms of the immediate environment we live in – it is in all of us to make that happen. And here is how . . .
One: Recognise and confront your fear.
You may not think you are fearful. But yes - we all have it to some degree. It's endemic in our society – sometimes inherited from our childhood, from society, our friends, the media . . . Well . . . you are worthy. You are important. And there is no reason at all why your views and ideas don’t have a right to be aired.
Two: Avoid those who bring you down.
You know who they are. Those around you who subtly take the carpet from under your feet. Who criticise without providing a helpful alternative. Who smile and laugh while at the same time make you feel less important and less worthy. Instead, seek out those who you aspire to be – who encourage and love you no matter what. Those who genuinely want the best for you.
Three: Research and start talking about what you feel.
What you really feel. Not because you are comfortable that people will agree with you, but because it’s coming from your soul. Talk from knowledge. Research your topic. Read and understand the different points of view. And above all – concentrate on and learn the facts.
Four: Notice those who don’t agree with you and be ok with that.
There will always be people who disagree. That’s just like the sun coming up in the morning. They have a view and they are entitled to it – but it doesn’t affect you. You don’t have to fight them, and you don’t have to win anything. It’s not a competition and in many cases there may be elements of their argument you agree with. And that means you are learning.
Five: Reach out to others that share your view.
There is strength and support out there which is available for you to tap into. To give you confidence, a sense of self-worth, feeling proud and grounded.
Six: Take action and be brave.
Make a list of all the actions you could take. Leave nothing out, even if you don’t feel it’s something you would be comfortable with right now – just write them all down. Make an appointment to meet and talk with someone who could help you make a difference. Write a blog. Share your views on social media. Offer to deliver a talk for a local group. Make a plan and start right now – today . . .
None of these steps may seem particularly hard. And like so much in life things aren’t hard, but they are hard to start – to make a beginning – to take that first step. Anne Frank’s quote is so full of optimism – isn’t it indeed wonderful that that we don’t need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world . . .
But what if that is just a thought . . . a self-limiting belief that, far from being humble and realistic is actually holding you back from being the person you want to be. Someone who could, in fact, help change the world . . .
What about the simple act of sitting on a bus? Well that’s exactly what Rosa Parks did in Montgomery Alabama when she refused an order from the driver to relinquish her seat for a white passenger who was standing. That incident sparked a new consciousness in America and Rosa Parks became an international icon of opposition to racial prejudice. For sitting on a bus . .
Whether it’s changing the world on a grand scale like Rosa Parks or changing the world in terms of the immediate environment we live in – it is in all of us to make that happen. And here is how . . .
One: Recognise and confront your fear.
You may not think you are fearful. But yes - we all have it to some degree. It's endemic in our society – sometimes inherited from our childhood, from society, our friends, the media . . . Well . . . you are worthy. You are important. And there is no reason at all why your views and ideas don’t have a right to be aired.
Two: Avoid those who bring you down.
You know who they are. Those around you who subtly take the carpet from under your feet. Who criticise without providing a helpful alternative. Who smile and laugh while at the same time make you feel less important and less worthy. Instead, seek out those who you aspire to be – who encourage and love you no matter what. Those who genuinely want the best for you.
Three: Research and start talking about what you feel.
What you really feel. Not because you are comfortable that people will agree with you, but because it’s coming from your soul. Talk from knowledge. Research your topic. Read and understand the different points of view. And above all – concentrate on and learn the facts.
Four: Notice those who don’t agree with you and be ok with that.
There will always be people who disagree. That’s just like the sun coming up in the morning. They have a view and they are entitled to it – but it doesn’t affect you. You don’t have to fight them, and you don’t have to win anything. It’s not a competition and in many cases there may be elements of their argument you agree with. And that means you are learning.
Five: Reach out to others that share your view.
There is strength and support out there which is available for you to tap into. To give you confidence, a sense of self-worth, feeling proud and grounded.
Six: Take action and be brave.
Make a list of all the actions you could take. Leave nothing out, even if you don’t feel it’s something you would be comfortable with right now – just write them all down. Make an appointment to meet and talk with someone who could help you make a difference. Write a blog. Share your views on social media. Offer to deliver a talk for a local group. Make a plan and start right now – today . . .
None of these steps may seem particularly hard. And like so much in life things aren’t hard, but they are hard to start – to make a beginning – to take that first step. Anne Frank’s quote is so full of optimism – isn’t it indeed wonderful that that we don’t need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world . . .
RSS Feed