Do you create change for yourself or with compassion for others

The speaker discusses the importance of creating change for the benefit of others rather than just for oneself. They share a conversation they had with a friend who questioned their decision to continue working instead of retiring. The friend asked who the speaker wanted to make a difference for - themselves or others. This question made the speaker realize that it is easy for our egos to drive us to make changes that only benefit ourselves, without considering others. They explain that egotism focuses on the self at the expense of others, while compassion helps us understand the impact of our actions on others. To make a difference that benefits others, the speaker suggests developing a value statement and a personal mission statement. These tools help keep us focused on others and remind us of our purpose. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that finding meaning and purpose in life comes from being of service to others. Hello, Joe and Disha, and welcome to the Insight Post for the 2nd of August, 2023. Do you create change for yourself or with compassion for others? I was talking to a friend the other day about my business. He asked me why I carried on working when I could have retired. I explained that I wanted to keep using my skills and energies for the benefit of others and to continue to make a difference in the world. At that point, my friend asked one of those questions that made you feel you'd been hit in the center of Texas. He simply asked, Who do you want to make a difference for, yourself or others? Who benefits from the change we create? It is not a common question, but I can see why he asked it. It is only too easy for our egos to push us into making changes to benefit ourselves without regard for the feelings and circumstances of others. It was a question that certainly gave force to thought and reflection. When we create change to benefit ourselves, we succumb to the power of our egos and the result is that others may get damaged. Egotism, by definition, focuses on the self at the expense of others. Compassion, the antidote to egotism, helps us to see the impact of our actions on others. If you are considering new directions and purposes and want to make a difference that benefits others, here are two essential activities to keep you focused. A value statement and manifesto keep you focused on others. First, develop a statement of values. Write down the values you want to live by and highlight the most important, your North Star value. Whilst most of us have some idea of how we want to live, only a few of us take the time to formulate a value system by which to navigate through life. Your value statement should be the foundation for how to live. Hopefully, you will include values such as compassion and service in your list. Second, develop a manifesto or personal mission statement. If you want to make a difference to others and benefit others, then say so and set up how you will focus on others rather than on yourself. Meaning comes from making a difference others want to see. Keep your value statement and personal manifesto at hand – you might even combine the two – as a reminder of your drivers. And if this seems a bit messianic, remember that the best way of finding meaning and purpose in your life is to be of service, either paid or voluntary, to others and help them make the difference they want to see.