Yesterday, I went to a restaurant, and when I went to use the washroom, I found it in a terrible state—very dirty and unhygienic. Instead of ignoring it or holding back, I decided to speak up. I called the restaurant manager and informed him that the washroom needed to be cleaned. He agreed and assured me he would take care of it. I returned to my table, and after a while, the manager came back to let me know the washroom was clean.
When my husband asked what happened, I explained the situation. He seemed embarrassed and said, “Why didn’t we just leave? If you don’t want to use the washroom, you can hold it.” I replied that holding it in can lead to health problems and that excretion is a natural process—we shouldn’t have to hold it in. Even if I could manage, someone else might need to use that washroom, and it’s important to ensure it’s clean for them too.
Change-making isn’t just about big reforms or changing laws. While we have respected individuals to take care of those, I believe we are all capable of making small but meaningful changes in our everyday lives. These changes can positively impact not just us, but others in our communities as well.
Wherever you are, if you see something that needs to change, don’t hesitate. Instead of holding back, be proactive and take action. My husband was just shy about asking for what was needed. But I believe we shouldn’t feel shy about asking for what we deserve.
I am a change-maker, and I am proud of it. If you have made changes on a small or large scale, please let me know. Together, we can make this planet a beautiful place to live.
Here are 10 steps to becoming a change-maker:
1. Identify Issues: Observe your surroundings and identify issues, big or small, that need attention or improvement. It could be anything from environmental concerns to social injustices or local community problems.
2. Take Ownership: Understand that change starts with you. Don’t wait for others to act—believe in your ability to make a difference, no matter how small the action.
3. Educate Yourself: Gain knowledge about the issue you want to address. Learn from books, articles, or people who have experience in that area, and stay informed on current solutions and challenges.
4. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s cleaning up your local park or advocating for policy changes, clear goals will give your efforts direction.
5. Start Small: Don’t be overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. Begin with manageable actions in your local community or personal life and build from there.
6. Collaborate: Partner with others who share your vision. Whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or organizations, working together increases your impact.
7. Be Persistent: Change rarely happens overnight. Stay committed, even when progress seems slow, and don’t give up when faced with setbacks.
8. Lead by Example: Inspire others by demonstrating the behavior or actions you want to see in the world. People are more likely to follow someone who practices what they preach.
9. Spread Awareness: Use social media, community events, or conversations to raise awareness about the issues you care about. Informing and motivating others can amplify your impact.
10. Measure Impact and Adapt: Track your progress and be willing to adjust your strategies as needed. If something isn’t working, try a new approach without losing sight of your goal.
By following these steps, you can make meaningful contributions to your community and the world around you.
