3 steps to becoming a beacon of change

MANILA, Philippines - When confronted by crisis people do one of two things: either they are defeated by the problem or they defeat the problem by becoming the solution.

In a fast-paced world where we have to deal with multiple challenges, sometimes we do make mistakes. There are instances when, instead of resolving a situation, we become part of the problem. In such cases it is better to change ourselves than to address the problem. It is better to change ourselves and become a beacon of change.

A beacon is a distant light that guides travelers in the dark. In this case, being a beacon of change means being a role model — an enigmatic presence others can look up to.

Throughout the course of my career as an author, coach, and trainer, I have constantly shared that in order to become a beacon of change, one has to reflect the right attitude to encourage other people to do the same. Being a role model is a big challenge, but if you think of it, it’s a task that works two ways, because if you strive at being an example of creativity, fortitude and generosity, you don’t only inspire other people but you also do well for yourself.

UCC tapped me to become one of the key speakers or “beacons” for a series of exclusive dialogues called “Beacons of Change: Coffee Collaboration” and without a second thought, I agreed. The mere fact that the discourse is about transformation is a big opportunity for me to share the three simple steps that people can take to become an inspiration to others.

UCC clients participate in the series of exclusive dialogues.

1. Excise false pride and unfounded fears that do nothing but trouble our outlook in life. Imagine life without darkness. That makes it easier for us to unleash the brilliance that naturally resides in the core of our beings. This brilliance, freed, becomes a beacon of light for others. Take Mahatma Gandhi and Ninoy Aquino, for example. They gave free rein to their virtuosity; thus, they inspired people not only during their generation but even those who live today.

2. Bear in mind that no beacon of light can be self-serving. A conscious and continuous effort to focus all our intelligence, wisdom, and energies outwards and for the benefit of others is the key to making this world a better place.

3. Be truly sold on the fact that we are deeply and intricately connected. We have to make sincere and serious efforts to develop a genuine understanding of how everything is interlinked.

When we follow these steps, we become role models, because through knowing what, when, and how to share our wisdom and exhibit our actions and points of view, our thoughts, our words, and all our actions will be soaked in the ether of love and constructive humanity.

Perhaps you would argue that nobody is perfect enough to achieve what I am trying to communicate, but the premise here is all about changing one’s self. And in order to have the capability to transform ourselves to help alleviate difficulty in this world, I believe that Mind Mapping is the best start.

As part of a worldwide group of Mind Mapping aficionados, alongside the famous Al Gore and Michael Gelb, I trust that Mind Mapping has an enormous potential to help outline our personal strategies for change and growth. Tony Buzan, its originator, says it’s the ultimate tool for creative and rapid learning.

Mind mapping: A UCC customer plots his inner thoughts and feelings.

The technique of mind mapping represents the dual modes of thinking. One of these dual modes is convergent or critical thinking, while the other is divergent or creative thinking. Our minds relentlessly figure out things or imagine new concepts, and through charting our thoughts, we can sort and structure ideas, emotions, and arguments impressively and effectively.

Mind mapping is a personal technology. As we plot what we have in mind or what we feel inside, we improve our abilities to absorb new learning effectively by making learning interactions multi-sensorial. We draw levels of understanding and maintain new concepts through associating them with existing knowledge. And through having fair and clear perception, we will be able to come up with wise decisions that can lead to healthier relationships with other people and with the environment where we live and work.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “In your own gentle way, you can shake the world.” Yes, mind mapping is a process that will take a little of our time but in the process, we will be able to benefit from thoughts we have had for a long time.

We will realize that we can do better than complaining about our job, about the world we live in, about mistakes and shortcomings we see in ourselves and in others, and crises. We can be part of the answer by becoming decision-makers and good role models. And we become these people because we choose to chart our ideas that can provide an answer to our problems. We choose to be part of the solution by simply becoming better persons.