During a recent conversation with a lifelong friend, we discussed some characteristics of ‘World Changers’. For me, a ‘World Changer’ is someone whose accomplishments literally change the world for the better. They are someone who has manifested their gifts to benefit humanity in a magnificent way by living into their full potential.
If I were to ask you to name someone who you thought epitomized this moniker, several names would jump out right away: Jesus; Gandhi; Buddha; Einstein; Gates; JFK; Musk; MLK; Lincoln; Socrates; Bezos; Mozart; Oprah; Zuckerberg; etc.
Most people would wholeheartedly agree with any of these people and add many more to the list…except themselves. Why?
I believe this may be the greatest tragedy of mankind. To look at everyone else and say why “they” are special, yet look at yourself and only see why you’re not. Bullhocky! Over the years, I’ve spent quality time with many people I would call ‘World Changers’. Legends like Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Wynn, and Peter Gruber, to name a few.
In every example, the fact of the matter is that they are ordinary people just like you and me. The difference isn’t that they were inordinately talented, special, or gifted; it is that they all do and have done the simple tasks of being successful that others either won’t do, don’t want to do, or don’t know how to do.
None of them ‘arrived’ at birth to be anointed royalty like Prince Charles, William, or Harry. In fact, most of them had the opposite experience as children. They grew up in extreme poverty, in broken homes, marked by despair and repeated failure. Despite these obstacles, they still rose to become icons of success and possibility. They grew into ‘World Changers’. If I could summarize what they all have in common and what they did to become who they are today, it would be the following:
They chased their dream – In every example, they not only started with nothing… and I mean NOTHING; they had a dream they were willing to commit their lives to. Not a short-term, fanciful wish but a definiteness of purpose they HAD to accomplish and believed they could.
They are voracious learners – they didn’t reinvent the wheel. They found mentors in their industry to model their success after and not only learned from them but also applied the knowledge. Though they may have added their own unique personality to their craft later, they all mastered the basics first…then added from there.
They have all withstood the test of time – none of the above are one-hit wonders. They have maintained their growth and mastery over time, not just years but decades! Tony Robbins – 40+ years; Oprah Winfrey – 40+ years; Steve Wynn – 50+ years; Peter Gruber – 50+ years
Their work ethic was and is unparalleled – first to arrive, last to leave. Do more than is expected, and do not grow weary in well doing, for in due time you will reap the harvest. They all understood this and still apply it to this day.
The bottom line is that when you study, learn from, meet, and get to know ‘World Changers,’ you find out that what they did to become the best is really simple. Dream big, go for it, learn from the best, plan your work and work your plan, flat out do more than everyone else to achieve your heart’s desire, and never give up. It’s simple stuff that anyone can do… it just ain’t easy. If it were, it wouldn’t be worth anything.
If you so desire with all your heart, you can be a ‘World Changer’. Stop doubting, dream BIG, learn daily, take massive action, and never give up! It’s only a matter of time before the world knows your name for the benefit of those who will be touched by your magnificence. We’re counting on you!
Be Larger Than…
