The truth is that there are so many things with the world today, starting with corporate greed, climate change, corruption, politics, human rights violations, and much more. Honestly, it can get too much to a point whereby a person will want to ignore everything and continue with their life.  However, if you want everything to change for better, the million-dollar question is, how can one do it?

If today you ask people this question, you will get varying answers like ignore and go with the flow, get on the internet and blast your frustrations out on social media, organize a physical protest, and many others.

A few days ago, I was conversing with my colleagues about this same question, but the answer I got from him humbled me. 

His answer was, ‘The best way to change the world is by starting to change yourself.’ ‘Only then one will begin to  speak out against all the wrongs in the world.’

This is a simple and yet powerful message. Also, it is a simple fact that only a few of us actively and consistently do. As such, I began to wonder how a person can begin their road towards a positive direction in 2020, and we live in a world where we are always busy and struggling to make a living.

Well, below are three simple rules to remind you on how to start your transformational journey.

1.         Consume Less

In this case, we are not talking about consuming vegetable-based meals or anything related to your body health. In this case, we are talking about spending your time on building relationships and experiences rather than possession.

Infarct, this is a point that I borrowed from my friend. No-body hates to own new things. That is because owning or possessing things shows a degree of status, identity, and a feeling of accomplishment.

However, the truth is that having more things is bad for us and the world. Also, remember that everyone will leave this world someday, and these objects will wear out and gone from us. Rather, reward yourself by building relationships and taking it easy in life. In other words, reward yourself for working hard by taking those holidays you have ever wanted. Better still, give that person whom you love dearly a treat.

You can show, enjoy, and demonstrate success through experience, and building relationships, rather than simply buying things (things that you may never use or have less importance of). Ask yourself this question, as you approach the end of your life, would you rather have people or objects beside you.

2.         Learn To Listen

Wisdom and strong relationships with others are gained through listening. Listening is a show of care, responsibility, empathy, and selflessness. Try as much as possible to avoid feisty temperament and/or intellectual superiority complex. In other words, try as much as possible to avoid immediate reactions. Rather, focus more on what the other person is feeling rather than how you are feeling. 

Human conflicts are a fact of life and will always occur. However, as history clearly shows, all conflicts begin and continue simply due to a lack of understanding of the other side. However, the moment you take your time to understand the other person, your reaction is most likely going to be wise and effective, even if the other person continues to be unreasonable. 

3.         Think Bigger

We often get tempted to gossip, despise, or politic, more especially when we are on the losing end of a particular situation. As human beings, we feel annoyed about events or people that seem unfair. As such, as human beings, the first reaction is to act or react and prove to be self-righteous. For this reason, actions directed at individuals are more often than we would ourselves, even if we are the ones on the wrong. 

That is fine; do not feel bad if you always blame others. However, if you really want to effect change, you need to think bigger. Do not fall into the trap or trend of blaming others, especially if you truly know you are on the wrong. 

How do you do this, well, it would be wise to address the problem rather than the symptoms. Also, do not fall into the trap of being influenced by peers or propaganda. A majority of people make this mistake and often lead to conflicts, disagreements, and even misuse of power. 

If today you single out a person and attack them, their natural instinct will kick in and become defensive. This is true to all of us. Therefore, rather than attacking a person, address misconceptions or bad influences that resulted in the problem. Think bigger and go beyond individualism, and you will definitely become a better person.