10 Ways People Can Make Changes In Society By Alero Ayida-Otobo

6 July 2017

Many times when we think about changing society we think about doing it on a grand scale. The truth - there can be only one Winston Churchill, one Nelson Mandela and one Justin Bieber. It is time to think differently. Changing society can happen by each of us taking one step at a time in the right direction at the right time. Change happens when an individual with a change mind-set, gets tired of the ordinary and reaches out for more. Change can happen right at your doorstep, on your High Street, in your local community. Change happens when You start by taking a life altering decision to DO More.

Alero Ayida-Otobo

What are the 10 Ways you can make changes in society? The first five are changes you have to make to yourself before you can effectively impact society. The last five are ways you can immediately change society. So get ready; Rise up and Do It!

The starting point - Know Yourself. Be Yourself!

If you don't know who you are you can't change anything. You will flow with the tide and not have a view point on anything. There is plaque I have on my window sill overlooking the park that says "Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow".

So who are you? I don't want to know your name. I want to know who you really are. I expect answers like "I am a Voice; I am a Midwife; I am a Connector; I am a Reformer".

What is your answer? Who are you? If you don't know - go on a journey of self-discovery.

"When you know who you are, it becomes far easier to make decisions—about everything." Scott Lerman

Be the Best Version of Yourself!

Once you know yourself - you now need to be the very best version of Yourself. The "best in class" for knowledge, skills and attitude. Don't try and be anyone else but your true self. Your authentic-self. Be real and genuine, be an original not a copy. Be unique. You have to know who you are and Be Yourself before you can effect change.

"Personal Transformation precedes National Transformation" Sunday Adelaja

Know your Message. Understand the Power of Words

The authentic YOU has a message to proclaim. Discover your message. What are you passionate about; what makes you angry? What do you lose sleep over? These are all pointers to your life message. Use powerful yet simple words to express your message. There is power in words and social media has shown how words can be used to shift mindsets and ignite action. So use your social media presence wisely and powerfully.

Spoken and written words release energy that can transform atmospheres. With words you can create an atmosphere of love, anger hatred or compassion. With words you can effect change in behaviours and change in actions.

Mark McClures of the Ruthless Entrepreneur states "If you can define your vision, define your goals and clearly define what it is you do (your message), how you do it and WHY you do it, the world will become your oyster".

Have a sense of Purpose: Use Your Influence

Why were you born? To go through life doing very little or is it to change that one person; that one group; that one community? Everyone has a measure of influence over someone or a group of people. Influence can be used to change the narrative of a life; of a community; of a culture.

One of the most powerful ways to exert influence is through volunteerism, especially purposeful volunteerism. A useful definition of volunteerism is the 'practice of volunteering one's time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one's community'.

Learn to fall madly in love

You need to fall madly in love with something or someone to stay with that person. Love is the power you need to stay the course. Your desire to make change happen has to be rooted in love - radical love. This is an intense passionate desire that gives you the strength to offer your services, gifts and talents.

Stand for a Cause

Stand for something meaningful. Something powerful that gives you joy and adds value to the lives of others. To stand for something means you give it your wholehearted support. When you stand you take action. Are you concerned about health issues, the environment, injustice; gender issues, poverty e.t.c? What is your pet peeve?

“Whatever you are passionate about, there is sure to be a cause that you can support. You never know when your actions to stand for something that’s important to you will make the world a better place”. www.wonderopolis.org

Become a Creative Designer

A designer of solutions to deep rooted problems. William Wilberforce carried the solution to end slavery and reform moral values in 19th Century England. Bill Gates carried the solution to word processing and designed Microsoft. What solution do you carry?

To be an effective designer of solutions you need to have three qualities - the three Cs - Creativity, Competence and ability to Collaborate with others. Many solutions are like jigsaw puzzles. The pieces have to come together to make a creative whole. You have to learn to work with others because you need them to make difference.

Take Action

Don't just talk and complain. Do something about a problem. Take practical other people centred actions so you are no longer the centre of your universe!

Find Your Tribe

A 'tribe' shares the same language, ethos, culture and vision. In other words look for like minded people who think like you and who are troubled by what troubles you. When you join forces together you can cause change to happen.

Mother Teresa said, "I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things."

Use your money wisely and support worthy causes

If you can't go; if you can't volunteer for whatever reason - you can use your money to bring change. You will be surprised what a pound or a dollar can do. WaterAid does amazing work. With just £15.00 you can help change a life with access to safe water. You can take part in an event; you can fundraise in your community. Your £15.00 can save a life and change a community. So begin to save your loose coins and make a difference to someone's life today!