Change and how it comes about is a strange thing.



Today was clean up day on my desk. Now, everyone who knows me would realise MY desk is NEVER untidy but, I did it anyway. After all the dust had settled the only thing left was this piece I am posting now.



I don't even know how long I’ve had it sitting there. I do know however, every time I feel a bit stuck it turns up to remind me of the very first flip chart I ever saw in a personal growth seminar, over 20 years ago: FOR THINGS TO CHANGE, FIRST I MUST CHANGE. I also know it feels right to put it up here, NOW!!

Mahatma Gandhi believed that we must BE the change we want to see in the world. Gandhi demonstrated this brilliantly as he helped India gain its independence. Gandhi was a revolutionary man, but he helped India accomplish its emergence as a nation without starting a bloody revolution. He always consistently advocated none violence. One of the most powerful countries in the world yielded to the commitment of one man and the dreams of millions.



What change can we effect? What’s the difference we want to make in the world?

Gandhi said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Here are some things to think about that could help you do just that.



1. Know that all significant change throughout history has occurred not because of nations, armies or governments—and certainly not committees. They happened as a result of the courage and commitment of individuals. People like; Joan of Ark, Albert Einstein, Charlie Perkins, Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Mikhail Gorbachov. They might not have done it alone, but they were, without question, change makers.



2. You do have a unique purpose and potential in the world. It’s not so much something to create as to be discovered. And it’s up to you to discover it. Believe that you can and will make a difference.



3. Acknowledge that everything you do, every step you take, every sentence you write, and every word you speak— or DON’T speak—counts. Nothing is trivial. The world may be big, but there are no small things. Everything matters.



4. To be the change you want to see in the world, you don’t have to be loud. You don’t have to be eloquent. You don’t have to be elected. You don’t even have to be particularly smart or well educated. You do, however, have to be committed.



5. Take personal responsibility. Never think that “it’s not my job”. It’s a cop-out to say, “What can I do, I’m only one person.” You don’t need everyone’s cooperation or anyone’s permission to make changes. Remember this little gem, “If it’s to BE, it’s up to ME.”



6. Don’t get caught up in the how of things. If you’re clear on what you want to change and why you want to change it, the how will come. Many significant things have been left undone because someone let the problem solving interfere with the decision-making.



7. Don’t wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change can be messy. Things will never be just right. Follow President Roosevelt’s timeless advice, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”



8. The genesis for change is awareness. We can’t change what we don’t acknowledge. Most of the time, we are not aware of what’s wrong or what’s not working. We don’t see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change.



9. Take to heart these words from Albert Einstein—arguably one of the smartest change masters who ever lived: “All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge.”



10. In order for things to change, YOU have to change. We can’t change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when WE change, it changes everything. And in doing so, we truly can be the change we want to see in the world.



This is the Inscription on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.)

"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights a little and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.



As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.



And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realise: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.



From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world."

Since this list was inspired by Gandhi’s belief, it seems appropriate to end with another of his quotes:



“Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us renders some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our commitment to service will steadily grow stronger and we will create not only the foundations our own happiness, but that of the world at large.”