“Before you can change the world, you must change yourself.”

I have heard the above quote many times and have no idea who said it first. After working in what some call the “personal development field” for several years no, I have found the quote to be absolutely true. An individual must begin to change personally before they change the world. A salesman would say, “You must believe in the product you are selling or no one will believe you.” The same is true with change; one must be the change they want to see in others.

When we change, the world sees a change in us and they should want to make the positive change too. Here are some words found in the back of No More Mondays by Dan Miller (page 241) attributed as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and
decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have changed the world.

Are you ready to change yourself?

Just some thoughts,