Want to change the world? Change yourself first.

"I want to change the world!"

Many have probably heard such proclamations--typically from those running for Miss America or political office--but let's break down how that could happen.

In order to change the world, you need to do one thing first above all else.  Change yourself.  It all starts with you.  If you want to make yourself valuable to your employer, go out and learn something.  Take the initiative.  Don't wait for someone to enroll you in a class or give you a book to read.

Take the class (if you need to).

Read.

So much of it is free too, with the advances in technology.  I love learning by watching videos and listening to podcasts.  Spend 30-60 minutes a day learning something, and within a year you'll practically be an expert in that subject.

One place to start is TED Talks.  These are thousands of videos (or varying length, from 3-18 minutes on the average) on a variety of topics.  One recent one by Larry Smith had me almost rolling on the floor, as he talks about why one will fail to have a great career.

In a nutshell from Larry, nobody will do it.  They'll say, "I want to change the world," but will fail to do so.  Why?  Because they'll fail to grasp that they need to change themselve first.

Because if you change yourself, you'll change your family.

Then, it'll affect your community.

Then, it'll affect your industry.

Then, it'll affect your state . . . country . . . world . . .

And it all starts with YOU.  So, what are you waiting for?  Do it.  It'll take a while.  No amount of success happens overnight.