The change starts from YOU

Seek first to understand.

Then seek to be understood.

Finally, seek to initiate change

We all know that change is inevitable. But the question is always on how change happens, whether it happens in the most positive manner or adversely in negative circumstances. What differentiates effective change agents from barbarians are mainly how knowledgeable they are and this wisdom is acquired through understanding … first of themselves, then others and finally the society at large.

Before we explore ways to seek understanding, let’s share this interesting story I saved from my days in university.

An old man dying, shared these last thoughts with the young man beside him …

“When I was young, I had this dream that I could change the world. So I set forth trying to do great things that can take me there. Alas after trying, I could not, so I changed my stand …

I tried to change my country. But people also rejected my ideas & being disappointed again, I retreated & thought of what I could do.

This time, I tried to change my community towards my old age, but found out that they too, were not receptive of my ideas. In my previous years, I’ve tried to change my family, but even they backed off.

As I look back now, I pondered … what if I changed myself first? Perhaps by changing myself, I could then change my family.

And with their support, I can try to change my community. If that works out, perhaps I could have the chance to change my country. And by then, who knows? I may have then gone on to change the world.”