You hear it everywhere: the world is a mess. Few would argue to the contrary; especially in this mean-spirited political season. Don’t you wish a super hero would step up and do something? Why not you? Why don’t you impact your world?
Right away you shrink back because changing the world is beyond your pay-grade. You’ve been taught there is nothing you can do to impact your world. There’s this perception that all we can do is hang on for dear life as the world sinks deeper into the cesspool.
But wait! You have the power to impact your world. Everyone who reads these words can make a difference in their own corner of the universe. And it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort.
Here’s 6 surprisingly easy ways to impact your world today.
1. To impact your world loan money to someone in a third world country.
I’ve loaned money on numerous occasions to people in other countries who are working hard to make a better life. All they need is a loan to make their dreams become a reality. I discovered kiva.com and it easily allows me to do this. My loan amounts were $25 each time. Not much from my perspective but it was huge for those who received the loan. And, yes, I got my money back which allows me to reinvest in another loan.
2. To impact your world write an email of encouragement to someone who needs it.
Discouragement is rampant. How many people do you know who are discouraged? It might be far easier to name those who aren’t facing discouragement. Think of an individual who is especially in need of encouragement. It takes very little time to compose an email which will make a positive impact and brighten the recipient’s day.
3. To impact your world buy someone a cup of coffee and give them the gift of conversation.
The new currency of our world is connectedness. Connecting with someone is more valuable than money. People in our world are growing increasingly lonely. It won’t take you long to identify a friend or acquaintance who would love to spend time with you just to talk over coffee. It is a gift you can give which will change their world.
4. To impact your world send a thank-you to someone who has influenced your life.
People have invested in you. They’ve guided you, corrected you, influenced you, and loved you. Have you ever thanked them? Do they know how deeply they’ve impacted your life? It might surprise you to realize how much you can impact the life of someone who has made a difference in your world simply by thanking them.
5. To impact your world post something positive on Facebook.
Facebook attracts the mean-spirited who delight in posting the negative. You see it when you refresh your Facebook page. People are ready to pick a fight about politics or religion or the latest news story. Do something different: post something positive on Facebook. Just make sure your post is true and uplifts the reader.
6. To impact your world seize the opportunity to commit a random act of kindness.
If you pay attention, you will have many opportunities to commit a random act of kindness throughout your day. Keep your eyes open for someone who could use your help. In the parking lot you can return the shopping cart of a struggling senior citizen. Mow your neighbor’s grass. In the check out line let that hurried person behind you go ahead of you. Watch for a way to show kindness.
These ideas are so simplistic you may be tempted to dismiss them. But these little things, when added together with all of our efforts, can make a big difference in this world.
How will you change the world today? Do you have an idea I didn’t think of?