What BIG Change Can You Make?
Life August 24th, 2008I’ve highlighted before one of my favorite resources, the TED talks conference and I recently really like another by Chris Jordan . Chris touches on a subject of waste in our world and he challenges his audience to look at the grand scale of these problems and hopes his work will impact people to make some big changes themselves to help support and change them. I love his approach and think it highlights the right areas that we tend to ignore each day in our lives. I think that making an impact and working to convince others to do the same is the BIG change we all need. These types of problems are such a grand scale, it can seem daunting to put any effort at them but considering how the numbers add up when you start with something as small as the waste of a coffee cup, the same applies when looking at reducing the use of one coffee cup at an individual level. If I make a difference, help you make a difference and you then help someone else make a difference, the same scale of change is possible and in a positive way! You can make a BIG difference and its really not that difficult. You just need to convince at least one more person to make the same change you’ve made.
You can tackle issues or want to make a difference in any area of life. Take on the things that you have a passion for, use your passions to help share them with others and teach ways and offer help to get others to do the same. That’s what makes an impact and a BIG change, not just doing more yourself. One area I do this with is right here writing this blog. I’m able to share my ideas and help people tackle life, leadership and career challenges and I know the information I provide gets shared with others, linked with others and helps to make that impact bigger than I can do myself. I do the same for others by reinforcing their content and ideas (like this article for example). I do the same eliminating my waste in the environment. I use a composter in the back yard, catch rain water and use energy efficient devices and appliances. I buy those and help others get the same things which has much more impact than I could have ever saved myself without involving others.
The numbers don’t lie. So, what BIG change can you make and share with others? Please add your comments.
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Mike King
August 24th, 2008 at 7:23 PM
I love this – big change starts with us – in whatever steps we can take – in the areas we are passionate about. Blogging is a great example of writing that can lead to helping someone else. One thing I’m passionate about is biking (for the environment and for health). I commute to work about 2-3 days/week from spring thru fall. Although no one else is doing it “yet” where I work, I am hopeful with the number of positive comments I’ve had, that someone will. Or has talked about it with family or friends. And this has convinced them to try it. I have talked to people outside of work, and know there are some considering it. Big starts with us!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Mike, great post! I think everyone wants to make a big difference deep down even if they don’t realize it. I mean who wants to get to the end of their life and not have made a difference?
Like you, my blog is one way that I feel like I’m making a real difference. I know the information is good – it has changed my life. I’ve had readers tell me that it has helped them so much that they share it with others. What can be more fulfilling to a person! I encourage everyone to find at least one way to impact the world for good.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:01 PM
@Lance – Thanks for the comment and yes, I fully agree with you about biking as well! I too commute to work (on average probably 4 of 5 days a week and I’m a year rounder. Little less often in the harsh winter here (2 feet of snow is tough sometimes) but still usually ride on average 2-3 times during snow. I’ve had the same affect on some others at work. None are regular commuters, but I see a few bikes from time to time at the office with people in my group.
@Jennifer – Thanks for the comments Jennifer. I have experienced the same when others share my work and yes, its is extremely gratifying…
August 27th, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Hi Mike,
I stumbled upon your blog by accident, but really enjoyed your post! I too picked up on the idea of cutting down my coffee cup waste. In fact, I run a website to educate and motivate people to BYOC (bring your own cup).
My BIG idea is to make bringing a coffee cup a movement in which every coffee lover participates. The US coffee habit helps put over 250 million lbs of cups into landfills every year!
Thanks again for the great post.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:16 PM
WOW Nicko,
More of those facts are absolutely astounding. Scary to think about those type of numbers. I am glad to say I use a glass cup at work (I only drink water though) so don’t add to that coffee cup stack. I’m happy my workplace has everyone using their own mugs, no disposables there.
Cool site you have, great message and I appreciate your comment. Do check out Nicko’s cup facts if you haven’t seen it yet!