Instead of seeing problems, work to bring positive change to the world

My New Year’s inspiration for 2021 was very timely. As was the case last year, I had the privilege of hearing leadership expert Dr. John C. Maxwell speak at our church. He introduced us to his new book, “Change Your World: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference,” co-authored with Rob Hoskins. Dr. Maxwell talked about how important it is that people who want to see change in the world start from within.

As the events of 2020 unfolded, it was easy to set aside change and instead, focus on blame. In the news, we saw blame being thrown all around, whether it was across the world or on our streets. Some of this blame even affected our practices.

WHEN PEOPLE CHANGE

I listened to Dr. Maxwell’s message, and I felt compelled to reflect on the number of times I have placed the problems of the world top of mind (even placing blame), becoming discouraged and anxious instead of thinking of the positive things around me and brainstorming ways I could help make things better. It is incredible how my face changes (at least my kids say so), my stress level decreases, and my happiness factor goes up when I start looking for ways to make a positive difference, as opposed to seeing all the problems that exist.

My dad used to say that many times people do not change until the pain of not changing becomes greater than the pain of staying the same. He reminded me there are other ways to create change, and Dr. Maxwell mentions these four as well:

1. People change when they hurt enough that they have to.
2. People change when they see enough that they are inspired to.
3. People change when they learn enough that they want to.
4. People change when they receive enough that they are able to.

I look at the change we have experienced lately, and I know that much of it has been because we hurt enough that we had to. The good news: We learned that much of the change was good, and it certainly was not as painful as it could have been. What inspires me is to look for ways to help people into categories 2, 3 and 4.

Change also can bring about lasting results. In 1971, Bausch + Lomb brought the first soft contact lens to the U.S. market. At first, doctors didn’t know how safe the lens would be, and many initially resisted the innovation. Today, more than 30% of my patients wear contact lenses, and not a day goes by without patients sharing with me how contact lenses have made a positive difference in their life.

CREATE CHANGE AROUND YOU

If you have an idea that you think can create change in the world, remember to first commit to being that change individually. Then, find a way to act now to create that change around you by inspiring others, teaching others and giving them enough information to help inspire them to change.

Change can be good. Work this year to bring good and positive change to our world. All it takes is one to change the world. OM

Email: april.jasper@pentavisionmedia.com

Twitter: @DrAprilJasper

Facebook: @OptometricManagement