Everyone wants to change the world.
We see suffering around us and we want to make things better.
But here’s the harsh reality: you can’t change the world unless you’ve first worked on changing yourself.
It might sound cliché, but if you’re truly serious about making a difference, the first step is to look inward. Before you can teach someone how to run, you need to ensure that you, as an individual, can stand firm.
You must be able to withstand the weight of your own life before trying to carry the burdens of others.
The Foundation of Change: Starting Within
Change begins from within.
You can only give what you possess.
If you’re still struggling to hold your own ground—emotionally, spiritually, mentally, or physically—you’ll struggle to be the support system others need.
This is where self-discipline comes into play, not as a punishment but as preparation.
Before preaching about saving the world, you must first save yourself.
Understand this: you can’t teach someone to run when you haven’t learned how to walk with balance. You can’t offer peace when you’re in a constant state of inner chaos.
To be effective in the world, you have to be effective within yourself first.
The Path: Self-Development as a Daily Practice
So, how do you get to a place where you’re solid enough to lift others?
It all comes down to self-discipline, commitment, and daily routines that keep you grounded.
The formula is simple, and it’s not a mystery:
Pray. Read. Write. Work Out. Sleep. Repeat.
This isn’t just a catchy mantra—it’s a blueprint for self-development.
Each step builds on the last, forming a foundation of strength and resilience that allows you to truly make a difference.
Pray: Ground Yourself Spiritually
Whether you call it meditation, mindfulness, or prayer, this is where you connect with something greater than yourself. It’s where you find clarity, calm, and direction. It’s where you acknowledge that the world is bigger than you and that true change begins by aligning yourself with purpose.
Read: Expand Your Mind
Knowledge is power, and the more you learn, the better equipped you are to navigate life’s challenges. Reading allows you to gain new perspectives, learn from those who came before you, and gather the tools you need to understand yourself and the world better.
Write: Reflect and Release
Writing is not just about putting words on paper—it’s a form of self-reflection. It helps you process emotions, reflect on your experiences, and release what’s weighing you down. Through writing, you can chart your progress, set goals, and hold yourself accountable.
Work Out: Strengthen Your Body
Your body is your vessel, and it’s important to keep it strong. Exercise isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, releasing tension, and building physical resilience. A strong body supports a strong mind.
Sleep: Rejuvenate
Rest is non-negotiable. Without it, all your efforts will fall apart. Sleep allows your body and mind to recover and prepare for the challenges ahead. It’s during sleep that your body heals and your brain processes everything you’ve learned.
Repeat: Consistency is Key
Here’s the most important part—repeat. The world doesn’t change overnight, and neither do you. True transformation comes from doing the work every single day. There are no shortcuts, only commitment.
The Ripple Effect: Changing the World, One Person at a Time
Once you’ve built yourself up—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically—you become a force of nature.
You won’t need to preach or convince others to follow your lead.
Your example will speak for itself. When you stand strong in who you are, people will naturally gravitate towards your energy and wisdom.
And this is how you change the world: by first changing yourself.
Once you’ve done the internal work, you’re in a position to genuinely help others.
You’ll be able to guide them because you’ve walked the path yourself. You’ll be able to support them because you’re no longer crumbling under your own weight.
And most importantly, you’ll inspire them to do the same for themselves.
Be the Change, Literally
We all want to make the world a better place.
But before you try to fix everyone else’s problems, make sure you’ve done the work within yourself. When you’re strong, grounded, and whole, you’ll be able to offer more than empty advice—you’ll offer genuine support, wisdom, and guidance.
Pray. Read. Write. Work Out. Sleep. Repeat.
This is your formula for change, both in your life and in the world around you. It starts with you, and from there, the ripple effect begins.
Change the world by changing yourself.
And do the work every day—until you’re standing strong enough to lift others.
With love, yours truly, Cristian, in collaboration with ChatGPT.