10 Easy Ways to Change the World

Ok, do I think the list below will change the world? Not exactly. I do think opening our minds to ways to improve ourselves, our relationships and communities is the beginning of changing the world. I am fairly certain we cannot change other people. Only ourselves. Our own minds. If I want to see more honesty in our politicians/leaders, I have to be honest. If I want to see less greed on wall street, I have to be more conscious of how what I do affects others. I cannot expect a behavior I am not demonstrating. As my Dad put it to me at a very early age, “if you want to have a nice day, you have to be nice.”

1. Find the opportunity in every situation: A friend at church was scolded once because the person in front of him found his tambourine disruptive. Instead of taking offense my friend noticed an opportunity and now “reserves” the seat in front of him and warns anyone who gestures to sit there that he plays his tambourine. Or my friend who remembers the day no one let her into traffic when she was rushing to see her father in the hospital. Now she makes it a point to let people in. Everybody wins. Don’t take things personally, take them to the next level.

2. Non-perishables for the homeless: It’s hard for me not to give something to panhandlers. But, some time ago a friend (himself a recovering addict) advised not to give money. Now I carry mini boxes of cereal, small bags of chips and packages of ramen noodles in my car to hand out easily. They sit in the pocket of my door ready to hand out at a moment’s notice.

3. Say and Spread Thank Yous: How easy is it to complain when something goes wrong (esp. if we know a discount or freebie is coming our way)? Try the opposite. When you have excellent service at a restaurant, call the manager over and let her know. If your mechanic is the best in the business (like mine), write the Better Bus. Bureau in your area, leave positive reviews on websites (like citysearch or Angie’s List), and let the service-person know himself.

4. Goodsearch.com: You search, they donate money. Easy squeezy!

5. Find Good News: Check out the Good News Network, Daily Word, Good News Daily, or Daily Om and input some positivity. When you have a cold do you eat poorly, stay up all night and drink beer? No. You drink renewing fluids, sleep and eat well. Same with your brain. You want good thoughts? Put in good news. You want a sunny disposition? Put in sunny delight (though not necessarily the beverage :- )

6. Be a kid again: Let go. Take it easy. Chillax. However you want to put it, enjoy the world again. We aren’t here to run the show, we are here to enjoy it. Laugh. Dream. Get dirty. Play harmless pranks. Dance like no one’s watching. Make honey-drippers. Have sleep overs. Go camping. Lose control. And then do it again the next day!

7. Pay with cash: More so for small businesses. If one of your favorite spots is a mom & pop, cutting down on their visa transaction costs will help them, especially in this economy.

8. Save Paper: Make notepads out of “to-be-recycled” office paper. Reduce margins on printed materials to save number of printed pages on documents not requiring standardized margins.

9. eCards: Go to Hallmark.com (or the eCard site of your choice) and (pre-)schedule random eCards to be sent to people in your life. Spend a few minutes now, warm and excite the people in your life all year!!!

10. Dry cleaning bags and hangers: Tie the end of the bag then use it as a trash bag. Also, most dry cleaners will take back shirt hangers to reuse.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. What small steps do you take to help change the world?

Written by Garry a young black professional, Florida State and UNC Law grad, and attorney currently residing in Miami, FL.