Change the World or Change Yourself?

In the grand scheme of things, the notion of changing the world can seem both daunting and appealing. Many of us start with grand ideas of making a significant impact, only to realize that the world is a complex, resistant entity. But what if the true key to changing the world starts with changing ourselves? This concept, deeply explored in works like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," suggests a paradigm shift that deserves more than a brief mention.

Why Trying to Change the World Is Insanity

It's not that wanting to make the world a better place is insane; the real insanity lies in believing that the world must change while we remain the same. We often fall into the trap of thinking that the problems we face are external and that others need to change for our lives to improve. This mindset is flawed. Reflecting on our actions and improving ourselves can have a ripple effect that subtly but profoundly influences the world around us.

Think about the last time someone tried to change you. Did you comply happily, or did you feel resistance and agitation? Most people don't want to be told how to live their lives. However, by working on ourselves and becoming better versions of who we are, we can inspire others to change. This influence is more powerful and long-lasting than any forced change.

You Can Change Yourself

Changing yourself starts with working on your beliefs. One poor belief can prevent you from ever learning or improving. For instance, believing "I cannot learn anything new" will halt any progress before it starts. Mindfulness is a crucial tool here. By observing your thoughts, you can identify and reframe poor beliefs, replacing them with more constructive ones.

Actively seeking out information through reading and education is another powerful strategy. Books, like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," provide insights that can shift our perspectives and encourage personal growth. In a previous blog post, we discussed changing beliefs around money, emphasizing how our realities are shaped by what we choose to believe.

Personal Transformation: A Lifelong Project

I used to believe I couldn’t run a blog because I didn’t like writing. But by challenging that belief and using tools like Wonop, I’ve proven myself wrong. Similarly, I once thought charging high rates for my services was wrong. It wasn’t until I read the right books that I realized my worth and began charging rates that reflect the value I provide. These changes didn’t happen overnight; they were the result of persistent effort and a willingness to challenge my own beliefs.

Influencing Others Through Self-Improvement

One of my favorite ways to influence others is by talking them up. There are a number of reasons why this is important. From a selfish perspective, a cool person only hangs out with other cool people. Whether in your professional or personal life, surrounding yourself with cool people and letting others know you do enhances your own image. Besides, it makes people happy and encourages them to do their best work. If they work for you, their happiness and productivity directly benefit you.

Overcoming Challenges in the Journey of Self-Improvement

The journey of self-improvement isn’t without its challenges. In 2020, my father passed away, and three months later, my company, which had zero revenue at the time, ended up in a legal dispute with a former client. The accusation and abuse I faced made it difficult to maintain positive beliefs. During this tough time, I focused on small, positive steps to turn things around and build the beliefs I wanted.

Despite the odds, I managed to grow my business from zero revenue to six figures with a 95% profit margin in a couple of years. This was achieved through consistent, incremental positive changes and a belief in my ability to succeed. Additionally, I used this challenging period to improve my physical health and quit drinking alcohol, which I haven't touched for over 18 months.

Conclusion

Changing yourself is not about adapting to others' expectations but about becoming the person you aspire to be. It's a lifelong project that requires persistence, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge and change your beliefs. By focusing on self-improvement, you not only enhance your own life but also inspire and uplift those around you, creating a ripple effect that can subtly change the world. Most importantly, you avoid falling into a pit of self-pitty where everyone else is to blame.

In the end, the real power lies within us. By changing ourselves, we set the stage for a better world. So, start small, be consistent, and watch how your personal growth influences those around you. The world may be resistant to change, but when you change yourself, you become a beacon of inspiration that others can follow. And you will be amazed what consistency has brought you after a couple of years.