You want to change the world?

First, ask yourself, what are your motivations? Really, think about it for a second… What’s driving you towards such a lofty goal? Is it for glory – driven on by a sense of ego? Do you want to be the hero? Or do you truly believe that the world needs to be shaken out of its coma, and you can make a difference?

There’s nothing wrong with setting your sights on being of service to others.

But there’s another way…

Before you look at what you can do for those around you, turn your gaze inwards. What can you do for yourself? Now bear with me. This may sound counterintuitive and even somewhat self-serving. But it’s not. Your wellbeing is paramount.

Think of it this way…

What good are you to anyone if your batteries are half dead?

The world needs more people who’re willing to take on the mantle of responsibility. But to do that, you first need to take responsibility for yourself. You need to be the change you want to see in the world. It’s a phrase that’s perhaps become a little cliché. But only because it represents a truth that can’t be ignored.

I used to be all too eager to fix other people’s problems before I’d even addressed my own. Again, to some, this may sound altruistic. And it certainly was well-intentioned. But my help wasn’t coming from a place of authenticity. I didn’t have nearly as much to offer as I thought I did.

This occurred most within my close circle of friends. I wanted to be the hero. But I hadn’t yet developed the skills of empathy, compassion, and non-judgment, because I couldn’t even offer them to myself! I was too green, too naïve, and hadn’t resolved enough of my own personal hang-ups.

In my early teens and twenties, I thought I had the world all figured out. But in reality, I didn’t even have myself figured out…

It led to a lot of poor decisions, which in hindsight, could have been avoided.

However, it was through making those missteps that I was forced to really examine how I was approaching my relationships – namely the relationship I had with myself. I’d been ignorant of my own needs and wasn’t taking full responsibility for my own wellbeing.

But once I realized this, my priorities changed. I shifted from an attitude of outwardly seeking to one of deep introspection and self-nurture. There was a puzzle that needed to be cracked before I could truly move forward – myself….

Maybe you can relate to some of this?

Have you been experiencing push-back in your efforts to trying to help others? If so, there’s probably a good reason… And that’s because YOU are the person who’s most in need of your attention right now. You need to show yourself the love you want to share with others.

You can’t offer anything from an empty cup.

When you make the commitment to work on yourself, it’s more than just a personal agreement. You’re making a pledge to create a better society.

But don’t allow yourself to get caught up in grandiose ideas…

You don’t need to rescue the world. You can make a difference in people’s lives simply by becoming the best version of yourself possible and allowing your personality to speak for itself.

Every time you treat someone with a simple act of kindness – be it a smile, a compliment, or anything else – you bolster their mood. And in turn, they’re also likely to pay it forwards in their interactions. Start the ripple effect…

That is the greatest difference you can make – through these micro-exchanges. But to make them count, they must come from the heart. You need to fully embody your actions. And to do that, you must be able to show yourself the same level of care and understanding first.

If you take only one thing from this story, let it be this…

YOU are worth just as much as those you’re trying to fix. Maybe even more so. YOU are the most important person in life right now. Not your mother, your girlfriend, or boyfriend. YOU are your number one priority.

It might be hard for you to accept that you’re deserving of that kind of attention. But it’s true. If you want to leave the biggest mark can on the world – think globally but act locally. Start with yourself. Become impeccable in both your words and actions. Let them flow into all parts of your life.

Truly, take care of yourself.

Not for me, not to satisfy this request – but simply for your own sake. Do this for YOU! No one can love you more than you’re capable of loving yourself. YOU are the person you spend the most time with, so show yourself the affection that only you can provide. Love yourself first, and everything else will follow, organically.

If you want to fix the world, start with yourself.

Sam Boomer is a Beyond Quantum Healing Hypnosis practitioner. He creates profound transformations in those he works with, helping them resolve deep-seated emotional traumas, chronic health issues, and discover their true purpose in life. If you’re ready to take the next step in your personal development and healing journey, you can find out more at Awake and Align.

Image courtesy of Darius Bashar.