Motivational Article

Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do."

These days, everybody is aware of the social, environmental, emotional and spiritual destruction that penetrates every aspect of our life.

But most of us take the "three monkeys" approach: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. If we don't look it in the eye, if we close our ears and refuse to talk about it, then we can pretend it doesn't exist.

"If I don't see this homeless person laying in the gutter, then he isn't really there."

"I don't want to hear about the genocide in Rwanda (or famine in the Sudan, or suicide bombers in the Middle East...)."

"I don't want to talk about global warming (or child poverty, or AIDS…)."

We think it is not our problem or responsibility because there may be one or two or six degrees of separation between us and the situation "elsewhere". But we do like to complain about it if it touches our lives in any way: "I wish they would end the fighting in Iraq-the cost of fuel for my car is through the roof!"

How many of us ever actually DO anything? Think about Aristotle's logic…

We have a terminal disease called apathy.

The only cure is ACTION.

Each of us has a responsibility as a world citizen to step up and do something-anything-to make the world just a tiny bit better.

You are probably saying right now, "I can't change the world alone." Well guess what? You're not alone!

To make this world a better place you can start with simply taking care of one thing and nurturing it. Let it grow. Let others see you care.

The people around you will see you getting involved and will become confronted with their own indifference and inaction. Some will support you, some will object. But the apathy dissipates.

Take action and people will follow. Most people are afraid…

•   afraid to take a risk and make a mistake
•   afraid to confront the unknown
•   afraid to take initiative when they realize that there is a problem, and even
    when they have a possible solution.

The best way to overcome this fear, in yourself and in others, is to become a leader of the heart:

1.   Take responsibility: Stop the futile practices of hoping, excusing, blaming      and shaming. Each of us is responsible for our own actions.

2.   Envision: Get in contact with the bigger picture. Meditate, contemplate,      and create your own life vision. Keep your eyes on your purpose and direction.

3.   Accept the challenge: Perceive each difficulty as a new challenge and      express your creativity and wisdom in handling it.

4.   Model: As a leader, people will look up to you - you become a role model.      You don't have to be flashy or charismatic or brilliant: all you need is to be      authentic. Nothing else.

5.   Cooperate: Leadership from the heart is about doing it together. Everyone      should be partner to the vision. Operate from personal power, cooperation      and friendship. Drop the use of force, authority and status.

6.   Empower. Allow others to participate in problem-solving. Let them choose      their level of participation. Ask more questions; give fewer answers.

7.   Reach: You can only take people as far as you are. If you wish people to      go further, you have to go further.

8.   Grow: Your highest goal should be continuous growth - yours as well as      others. Develop patience, compassion and sense of humor for others, as      you've been there before.

Exercise:

You know what is wrong in the world. Take the next 2 minutes and make a list of all the things that you can think of. You might start with environmental degradation, warfare, poverty, violence in schools, obesity, corruption...

OK, STOP! Now take a look at your list and get horrified for a moment.

You know what can be done differently.
Take another 2 minutes and shift your energy.
Think of all the possible solutions to any of the problems you have just raised.
Don't censor yourself. Just write down anything that comes to mind.
Do you feel excited and energized?
OK, STOP!

Now ask yourself the vital question, "What can I do?" Any action will do. Just think of a first step and write it down. (You don't have to tackle world peace as your first effort!) Start with a local issue:

•   Write a letter to the editor about something in the news that inspires
     (or incenses) you. Exercise your freedom of speech!
•   Call your local government official and ask what is being done about
     a problem you recognize.
•   Attend a school meeting; join a committee.
•   Volunteer one day a month (more if you can) with a local charity or shelter.

Open your eyes, ears and mouth!

OK, stop analyzing, brainstorming, planning.
Commit yourself to taking that first step. Go out there and do it!
NOW!