“What can I do to make the world a better place?”

6 Intrinsic Human Needs

I was 14 when I first read the book: “Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins which introduced me to the concept of 6 intrinsic basic human needs that form the core drive behind the decisions that we make in life. They are:

Certainty

Uncertainty/Variety

Significance

Connection/Love

Growth

Contribution

Given these 6 basic human needs, it makes sense that we desire to make a real difference in the world. We desire to make a positive change, bring people together, grow for the better, and make significant contributions to the betterment of society to feel significant.

“I want to make a difference, but I don’t know where to start”

That is how I’ve felt… ever since I could remember.

Lost in my own problems and so caught up with the minutiae of life, over the last 26 years of my life, I had been completely ignoring the part of me which wants to make a difference in the world.

And honestly, I (still) feel too small to do anything about problems of really large magnitude such as world hunger, political wars, domestic violence, etc.

And yet, the part of me that wants to make a difference is still alive and well.

And if I don’t have the courage to take steps in that direction now, when will I ever have it?

So I’ve decided - even though my impact will be small, that mindset will not stop me from taking action to make a difference in my life or the world.

My principles for making a positive change in your life and the world

First, do no harm.

Every medical student takes the Hippocratic Oath as a promise to do no harm to the patients (at least no harm intentionally)

and just like that, I believe we should take the Hippocratic Oath to not do any harm in this quest of making a difference.

The kind of harm that I’m talking about is the hate trap (spreading hate or attacking people), which is really easy to fall into when you’re a part of online communities.

There’s nothing wrong with addressing things you don’t like, its fine to even complain, but even that can be done from a sense of empowerment and love.

The decision to live with integrity

Integrity is very different from morality

Morality is about good vs bad. Integrity is about what is right for you, what is in alignment with you. There is an intuitive feeling of rightness and relief when it comes to living with integrity.

Integrity gives you real freedom because you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide.

I strongly believe that there is no shame or embarrassment in realizing that you have been living your life with a lack of integrity. Realization is the first step towards change

Examples of lack of integrity could be

What you say is not the same as what you do

Not meaning what you say

Having low self-esteem (it is an indicator of lacking integrity)

Blaming others that could partially be your fault

Not owning up to your mistakes or shortcomings

Communicating defensively

Unwillingness to make amends

What does living with integrity look like?

LIVING IN ACCORDANCE TO YOUR DEEPEST, MOST IMPORTANT VALUES

Keeping your promises

Keeping secrets

Not letting someone else take the blame for what is your fault (even if it is partially your fault)

Doing the right thing without expecting anything in return for it

Standing up against injustice

Everyone makes mistakes, but only a person with integrity owns up to them

Video resources that will explain it way better than I ever can:

Integrity by Teal Swan

Share yourself with the world:

Use your gifts, your uniqueness, what you are good at as a service to others.

Action steps to actually make a difference in the world

1. Volunteer

2. Do things for your own happiness

When I think of more action steps to actually make a difference, I will write about it