Often times I have been asked “How Can I Change the World?” Honestly, there is no one way in accomplishing such a great feat. My personal hero, Thomas Edison, changed the world by not quitting. He boldly proclaimed that he was never a failure, but found ways that did not work. Likewise, people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Al Gore have changed the world by pushing their dreams and passion to the limit. These individuals provide a good example to follow in changing the world.
I believe that we all have the capabilities to change the world. This act, however, does not have to extend around the globe to be successful. Mother Teresa once said “If you can feed one hundred people, just feed one.” Well I encourage you to do the same. Thomas Edison was successful because he continued to keep trying. Personal Branding expert Hajj Flemings calls it GRUSTLE, grind + hustle. Here are a few pointers in changing the world with hard work.
- Set clear and concise goals - All to often, we work harder without an end in sight. Although hard work is always good, with no clear goal your work will easily fall by the wayside. Write your goals down and ensure that they are visible to yourself and made known to others. Thomas Edison knew what he had to accomplish, the work he put in was the clear path towards his goal.
- Never quit - Giving up is too easy to do. We all do it very often in many areas of our lives. If we are not successful, we just give up. Recently, I was rejected not once, but twice in applying to a job that I felt that I was well qualified for. What did I learn? I was not doing something right and I will just have to go back to the drawing board. One thing is certain, I will not quit. Many people have quit prior to meeting their goal because of some obstacle. It took Thomas Edison 1,000s of missteps before he struck gold, more than likely it will take you more than one try to change the world.
- Pay it forward - Changing the world will not work unless others share your dream. So you should pay it forward whenever you can. Seek out opportunities to bring others in on your efforts to change the world. Whether you are helping teach disadvantaged children or building schools for an area with no schools, paying it forward will help you build capital to achieve. Thomas Edison paid it forward by bringing on William Hammer to assist him with electrical lighting. Who can you help in your quest to change the world?
With a new week upon us, think about Thomas Edison and how he was able to change the world. Use his vision and work ethic to accomplish the impossible. Then maybe you can be like him and change the world.
