What’s the best way to make a difference?
My answer takes all of four words:
Turn three to four.
What does that mean?
I’m talking about turning selfish into selfless. Taking those last three letters, and making them four new ones.
It’s a switch that takes less than ten seconds to make. But it’s anything but simple — and it’s far from meaningless.
You see, there are many ways to make a difference in the world, but they’re all based on one, solid foundation — our mindset. Before we can even think about imparting change, we must decide which mindset we will embrace.
In particular, we must choose between being selfish or being selfless. Between focusing on our own benefit and putting others first.
Far too often, we go with the first option.
This is understandable, of course. We have needs that must be satisfied, and we’re acutely aware of their importance; by nature, they follow us wherever we go. And when we feel taken care of, our self-esteem, confidence and ego stand to benefit.
But no one can truly make a tangible difference by being selfish.
No, this outcome requires a broader perspective — the willingness to put others first.
It takes a lot to embrace this mindset, including:
- Adaptability —The ability to pivot, to serve the varied needs of others.
- Empathy — The inclination to care, to carry the emotional burden of others as one’s own.
- Courage — The willingness to be vulnerable, to feel uncertainty but move forward just the same.
Most of all, it takes connection.
If we are to truly be selfless, then we must be willing to interact with others. To share in order to build.
This is a challenge, a threat to our self-serving nature. But it’s one worth pursuing.
For by accepting this challenge, we open our heart, broaden our mind and dare to look at change in a new light.
We’re still involved in this process — hence the self. But by changing ish to less, by turning those three letters into four, we’re allowing others to benefit too.
So, let’s all aspire to add on, to pledge to serve the world with a selfless mindset.
For turning three to four adds so much more than an extra character from the alphabet. It gives a chance to make a lasting impact the world will appreciate.