How to Make a Difference in the World

(Photo : Duy Pham on Unsplash)

Do you want to make a difference in the world? It may seem like there's little that you can do as an individual. You probably can't save it, but you can do a lot to change one part of it you're determined.

Identify Your Values

What does changing the world mean to you? What is important to you? This can vary a lot from person to person. Try to identify your top priorities. Maybe it's helping others, or maybe it's taking care of the environment or animals. Whatever it is, once you know your guiding principle, you can move on to figuring out how to implement it.

Choose Concrete Action

Next, you need to choose specific actions you'll take that will help you make a difference in the world. There are certain professions where this belief in and ability to make a difference are what drives many people to them in the first place, such as working in health care or education. You may need to go to college and get a bachelor's degree to pursue certain careers. The cost of a degree can be daunting, but there are many ways to pay for it, including scholarships. You can search online and apply for Going Merry scholarships for college that could cover the entire cost. If they don't, you can apply for loans.

Beyond Careers

Keep in mind that the job you do is not the only way to make a difference in the world. In fact, sometimes it's far from the best way; careers that seem like they would be primarily focused on helping others improve their lives can sometimes get bogged down in paperwork and other requirements that actually preclude your ability to help others. You may want to consider volunteer work instead or simply your position in the community. If you're someone that people often come to talk out problems or you regularly provide practical help, such as taking care of children, you might already be making a significant difference in many lives even if it doesn't always feel that way.

Consider Small Scales

Too often, people who want to do good in the world feel as though they are falling short because their circle of influence is small. However, this can be misleading. First, small acts can have big reverberations. Second, changing the world on a large scale isn't always as straightforward as it might seem. There can be unintended consequences that cause your efforts to backfire. It's also worthwhile to look at the very concept of the world. If animal welfare is important to you, you might feel like you are never doing enough if you can't save all the stray dogs in your area, but what about the ones you have helped? Consider that for the ones you've taken in or found another home for, the world truly has changed. Don't fall into a trap of thinking your contributions aren't significant because they don't seem big enough; for those who are helped, they are enormous.