When one thinks about Inspiring Change, people who may come to mind are Randy Pausch (October 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008), author of “The Last Lecture”, (check out Randy on youtube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw and Nick Vujicic, a man with no limbs, who teaches people how to get up and not give in. (visit Nick on youtube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY
Perhaps Helen Keller and Walt Disney are people to think of who inspire change. There are many who, when we hear their stories, we feel inspired to “make it happen”, or “stick to that diet or exercise plan”. How long does that inspiration last? Where does the passion go? What will make us continue on to completion and success? Below are 4 steps to BE INSPIRED TO CHANGE!
1. IDENTIFY the Change: Rumi: “O, happy the soul that saw its own faults.” Self Awareness gives the ability to truly see strengths and challenges. Identify the challenges and decide to change, shift, move to a higher place. Ask true friends, who will tell the truth, what they see as challenges or blocks that prevent reaching the highest goals and purpose.
2. BE the Change: Mahatma Gandhi says: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Be authentic, show the true self that is sometimes buried under “should be”, “would be” or “could be”. Identify the fears and let go of those fears of what others may think, say or do. Believe with the heart, soul and mind that it is the right way to be, and course of action to take. Write down the changes and goals and put them up to be seen on a daily basis.
3. DEMONSTRATE the Change: Lao Tse wrote in 600 BC: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Let go of control, decide on the goal and go for it…relentlessly, with passion, love and creativity. Create a “Board of Directors”, who will be mentors and guides to help stay on the path.
4. LIVE the Change: Henry David Thoreau: “I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Be consistent and persistent and at the same time, know when to shift so that “getting stuck” does not occur. One step everyday toward the goal of change.
Get fired up, succeed and become the inspiration for others to change by creating change in yourself! Don’t give up, failure is not an option!
