It is quite easy to focus on what is wrong in the world and it is very annoying to observe these situations while they happen. Many people want to change the world to advance their lives, but first the world they need to change is the one inside them.

Everybody has some thoughts on what is erroneous with the world, and wants to go to great lengths to correct it, but few people will actually do something to improve their own lives.

If anybody wants to change reality, they should start with themselves first and concentrate on their own personal development. Often people are annoyed and infuriated with situations beyond their control.

They presume if they can control these situations, their life will be better. What they need to do is to identify the problems that lead to these annoying situations. Once they do that, they will be able to find solutions too.

Because changing one person, and that is themselves, is easier than changing the whole society or the world. We have control over ourselves but not others. So we can determine our actions, but not dictate others.

However, bringing about changes in the world is not impossible either. It is just not easy and, because of this, most people give up before even starting. Thus, they give up on their dreams and replace them with realistic goals that other people tell them.

Most people compare their lives with that of others. Usually, this is done through social media. You go on to Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat and you see other people living fascinating lives that you wish you had. When you see these pictures, you start to feel bad about yourself.

A dark little secret about social media is that much of what you see is not real. People are pretending to be something they’re not. You don’t know anything about them or what’s actually going on in their lives, except what they show you in those pictures.

My recommendation to you is to stop using social media so that you don’t compare yourself with other people. If you delete your Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram you can still be connected to your friends through text or a phone call. You will definitely find that your mental health has improved after doing this.

Generosity is helping other people without expecting anything in return. We can be generous by giving a good, money, service or advice. Find an organisation to volunteer there at least once in a week or find a charity to donate. You can also teach children who can’t afford school fees. By doing so, you’re not just helping people, but you’ll also get to meet many amazing people.

Empathy is the ability to listen to others’ problems and understand what they’re going through. When you become empathetic, you’d be amazed how people open up with you and share their problems and feelings.

When you are empathetic and generous with others, it allows you to get closer to the people that matter in your life. Even without any expectations, you will find that your generosity and empathy will be rewarded eventually.

Remember that changing the world doesn’t need epic actions — all it takes is trying to advance and improve what’s around you.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 11th, 2022