"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, courage to see that they do not remain as they are." -- Augustine of Hippo
We began with The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth to focus on personal transformation. Then we explored Be a People Person to improve our relationships. Now, it's time to delve into Change Your World by John C. Maxwell and Rob Hoskins, learning how to change the world.
This progression illustrates how change starts with you and ripples outward, each ripple growing larger and reaching further.
Changing Your Thinking
In The Art of Possibility, Rosamund and Benjamin Zander write, "The frames of our minds create and define -- and confine -- what we perceive to be possible." To solve problems, we must change our perspectives and see new opportunities. Henry Ford famously said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Believe you can make a difference, and the world around you will change.
Harnessing Your Hope
"Optimism is the belief that things will be better. Hope is the faith that, together, we can make things better." Hope is active and requires courage.
- Hope for Yourself: The world needs dream-makers who turn thoughts into action.
- Hope for Others: Focus on positive change, not just eliminating negatives.
- Hope for a Better Future: As Dale Carnegie said, "Most of the things in the world have been accomplished by people who kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
"If you want a better world, composed of better nations, inhabited by better states, filled with better counties, made up of better cities, comprised of better neighborhoods, illuminated by better churches, populated by better families, then you have to start by becoming a better person." -- Tony Evans
Fueling Your Urgency
"We Can't Wait for Change" means we can't wait for others to initiate change, and we should feel a sense of urgent anticipation for change.
- Urgency Starts Within: Ralph Marston says, "Success requires both urgency and patience."
- Urgency Feeds Desire: Jim Rohn reminds us, "Without a sense of urgency, a desire loses its value."
- Urgency Inspires Courage: "Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose."
Start Making a Difference
Combining hope and urgency calls you to action. Avoid making excuses and start making changes. Simon Sinek advises, "Dream big. Start small. But most of all, just start. The hardest part is starting."
Reflection
This week, consider the following questions:
- Name one need or problem you see around you.
- How would the lives around you be better if positive change was made?
