Ask the Coach with Tara Powers

Question: 

​I am interested in making a meaningful difference in the world but I don’t see myself creating a hugely successful business empire or something equally big that would make an obvious difference. I also don’t want to lose the time I have with my children, so I can only work part-time. I am worried that my impact will be negligible, the problems of the world are so huge, I am feeling a little helpless knowing where to start. - Name supplied

Answer: 

First of all, know that you are not alone. If you pay attention and listen, watch or read the news regularly, it certainly can seem like one person’s actions can’t make a squat of difference in the vast scheme of things. And to be transparent, I have felt that same hopeless, insignificant feeling myself recently. There are two things I focus on when I am in this mind space that have helped me regain a sense of control and hope - my mindset and my actions. 

Here are some tips:

1. Limit the negative. Mike Dooley says that “thoughts become things”. Our thoughts create energy and if we are not being careful, they can very quickly attract more negative thoughts. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you most likely are bumping up against what your brain can process and tolerate. It’s a sign to look at limiting your news intake and social media to 30 minutes per day. Recently, I took the following actions that limited the negativity I was consuming on a daily basis:
   • I stopped looking at Facebook every day, sometimes not checking it for days at a time. This was the single biggest game changer in my mood. 
   • I started looking at good news first thing in the morning. Get to know the Good News Network (https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/) and make this your news feed for a while. It’s shocking how much GOOD is happening around us that we never hear about
2. Practice mindfulness. The more present we can be in our own lives, the more beauty there is to see. When I am spending time playing with my girls, dancing or being silly, I take that moment and I savor it. I pay attention to the sounds of their laughter, their smiles, how big and open my heart feels and I become fully present. These “moments of joy” are truly magical and is what we need to pay more attention to on a daily basis. I believe happiness comes in waves, but if we are too overwhelmed with the negative, we can easily miss these special moments and the positive deposits they make in our emotional bank account. 
3. Recognize what you can and can’t control. Although I can’t stop climate change from happening tomorrow, I can be sure that my family engages in more sustainable practices. I can focus on reducing, reusing and recycling. I can compost. I can make sure my next vehicle is electric or hybrid. I can buy organic whenever possible. I can reduce my meat consumption. I can use only organic fertilizers and weed control products. I can make purchasing decisions based on where and how products are being made. I can educate myself and my children. I can vote for local and national constituents that are going to pass policies and regulations that will change how we live in our communities to be more sustainable. From a business perspective, I can choose to work for companies or work with companies that are doing good in the world and are in alignment with my values. 
4. Do one thing to help.  Taking action feels helpful. Commit to choosing one thing that you can do. For example, during the winter months my family puts together care packages for the homeless that we keep in our cars and give to the homeless that we connect with during our day. My children look forward to going to the store and picking out items that would help someone stay warm, feel cared for and loved. They write little love notes for each care package that have a lot of meaning to them.  We have also “adopted” a child in another country and provide a monthly donation that allows them to attend school, get books and basic clothing and food. Involving your children in deciding where you could donate your time or money is a powerful tool that makes a big difference in your mindset.  Local volunteerism groups are a great to get involved and include your kids too. It’s how we raise the next generation of thoughtful, concerned citizens and global leaders.
5. Connect with community. I will admit that I have relied on support resources such as therapy when I felt like I wasn’t able to manage my stress or overwhelm. Usually a few sessions do the trick and helps get my mindset back in a positive place.  I’ve also found it useful to get involved in community school groups where parents come together to support each other and discuss how to make a difference in the lives our kids. Joining Sacred Change Makers is a perfect community resource where like-minded people are coming together to make a positive difference in the world. Perhaps consider how you can connect more frequently with the positive community that is being created.

In summary, it’s your daily habits, choices and actions that will have a significant impact on the world. It doesn’t matter if you work part-time, full-time or not at all. What matters most is that you recognize you can make a difference in your home and in your community and that your actions, no matter how small, will have a ripple effect out into the world.